Draft law seeks to empower cities to proactively drive development
The draft Law on Urban Development seeks to empower cities with greater decision-making authority, while strengthening accountability and oversight, enabling them to proactively address emerging challenges and drive sustainable development.
The draft Law on Urban Development aims to grant cities more autonomy in decision-making, while enhancing accountability and oversight. Articles 3 to 8 are seen as the core of this legislation, transforming urban administrations from mere implementation bodies to proactive policymakers and development drivers. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thien Tri, a law professor at Ho Chi Minh City University, highlights the draft's innovative aspect in decentralizing powers while maintaining accountability, providing cities with the means to tackle issues beyond existing laws.
These provisions must embody a progressive approach beyond general local government regulations. The draft introduces "special urban governance relations" to design decentralization mechanisms, recognizing that special cities differ from ordinary localities in size, development rates, and governance needs. This shift from an implementation-focused model to one that proactively makes decisions and formulates policies is significant.
The relationship between central and local governments should have a clear division of responsibilities: "The local government holds the oars, while the central government steers the boat." Existing legal bottlenecks include delayed implementation of regulations and policies, as well as the emergence of new urban development issues not covered by laws or National Assembly resolutions.
The draft proposes solutions such as cities issuing tailored regulations and piloting new policies to address these gaps. Power delegation must be paired with control and accountability, with clear delineation of powers ensuring effective oversight. Existing oversight mechanisms, such as supervision by local councils and inspections by higher authorities, will be maintained and enhanced through delineated decision-making and responsibilities.
Non-state entities can be engaged in support activities, but careful selection and oversight are necessary to prevent commercialization and conflicts of interest.
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