Özet:

Local governments play an essential role in meeting local common needs and delivering urban services to citizens. The effective use of this role is possible by increasing the participation of a city in the administration. Providing the opportunity for all individuals living in the city to participate in their decisions and their cities is the most fundamental feature of pluralist and participatory democracy. Urban policy theories examining the relationship between democracy, participation, and local governments deal with questions such as who makes the decisions, who shapes the city space, and who runs the cities and for whom. Participation in the city administration, on the other hand, can be realized through elections held at regular intervals, as well as through the influence of different interest groups consisting of non-governmental organizations, professional organizations, or individuals in the political process. In this study, the Mersin Tradesmen and Craftsmen Consultancy and Training Center (MESDEM) Project, implemented by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and Mersin Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, will be examined in the context of participation of urban policy. Why the MESDEM project emerged, which theoretical background it has, and its role in sustaining the city administration with a participatory approach will be discussed.

Anahtar Kelimeler: