Local Experiences, Global Perspectives Local government across the world Edited by Giorgia Iacopini and Daniel Klemm www.nlgn.org.uk New Local Government Network (NLGN) is an independent think tank that seeks to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities. NLGN is publishing this report as part of its programme of research and innovative policy projects, which we hope will be of use to policy makers and practitioners. The views expressed are however those of the authors and not necessarily those of NLGN. © NLGN June 2009 All rights reserved Published by NLGN Prepared by NLGN First floor, New City Court, 20 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RS Tel 020 7357 0051 . Email
[email protected] . www.nlgn.org.uk Local Experiences, Global Perspectives Contents 3 Contents Acknowledgements 5 About the authors 6 Foreword 10 Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP Introduction 11 Anna Turley 1 British local government: An Island no more? 13 Giorgia Iacopini and Daniel Klemm EUROPE 2 Our citizens are valuable and knowledgeable: A strategy for local democracy in the municipality of Ballerup, Denmark 21 Mayor Ove E. Dalsgaard 3 Local decision-making and community engagement activities in Amsterdam 29 Mayor Job Cohen AMERICAS 4 Lessons from America: Reflections on US local government 33 Daniel Klemm 5 Citizen Participation: Working together to evaluate and improve democracy − Successful case studies from Argentina 41 AUSTRALASIA 6 The question of ageing well: Answers for Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, Australia 49 Mayor