People’s Participation in Local Decision-Making: The Government Goals Plan in Cordoba/Argentina

Abstract

This chapter examines the institutionalization of direct democracy mechanisms in Argentina, focusing on the City of Córdoba’s implementation of the Government Goals Plan (Plan de Metas de Gobierno). Introduced in 2012, this plan was among the first in Argentina to enhance government transparency and citizen participation at the local level. The study investigates the plan’s development and impact across three administrations, presenting the results of an analysis of citizen participation in 11 public hearings held thus far. It explores the topics addressed in these hearings, revealing the key concerns and demands of different sectors of the community. Despite its successes, the Government Goals Plan faces significant challenges, including the need for better training of public officials, improved goal presentation, and more effective coordination between urban and rural areas. Additionally, the plan struggles with limited citizen participation and insufficient responses from public officials to citizen proposals. While the Government Goals Plan has potential as a tool for urban planning and fostering public oversight, it must overcome these obstacles to achieve broader and more effective citizen involvement. The findings underscore the broader limitations of direct democracy mechanisms in Argentina.