Promoting sustainable urban development through associations of municipalities

Introduction

This initiative was a Triangular Cooperation effort, developed with the support of the ADELANTE Window, aimed at addressing the challenge of strengthening associations of municipal service providers in specific territories of Paraguay and Uruguay.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative contributed to capacity building among the Partnership entities in order to create a management model for association of municipalities, based on the models of joint management of essential public services of the Provider entities, and characterised by inclusive and sustainable development.

Leveraging expertise in municipal associations

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership member entities on municipal associations were mobilized. The provider entities collaborated to meet the needs identified by the beneficiary entities:

• Provider entities:
  • Local Fund for Development Cooperation of Extremadura (FELCODE, Spain)
  • Association of Municipalities of Honduras (AMHON)
  • Mancomunidad La Montañona (El Salvador)
• Beneficiary entities:
  • Mancomunidad de Cordillerita (Paraguay)
  • Congress of Mayors (Uruguay)

These partners worked together to design customized models for each participating country, contributing to the broader discussion on effective municipal governance and service provision.

Expanding the impact of municipal strengthening

The pilot initiative for consolidating municipal associations in Paraguay and Uruguay was designed to:

• Be replicated in other territories within both countries.
• Generate a ripple effect, influencing other countries where FELCODE and the Partnership entities maintain active collaborations.

By fostering stronger municipal cooperation, efficient service delivery, and regional knowledge exchange, this initiative contributes to sustainable local governance and improved municipal management in Latin America.

Project activities

This initiative aimed to connect and integrate different experiences in the field of local government associations, linking the cases of Paraguay and Uruguay with the experiences of El Salvador, Honduras, and Spain. 

Key activities included:

• Capacity building: four study visits, one consultancy, and one seminar, providing training to representatives of local governments on consolidating associations of municipal service providers and enhancing joint management strategies.
• Model implementation: development of a methodological guide structured in two parts:
  • Prerequisites and key elements for establishing and implementing municipal associations.
  • Tools and practical elements for the management and operation of municipal associations, including various service provision models and coordination strategies with other administrative levels.
• Policy development: creation of an agenda promoting municipal associations in other territories, contributing to national discussions, policy dialogue, and high-level political engagement.
• Community engagement: a final seminar open to all stakeholders to present the methodological guide and encourage broad participation in discussions about local governance and development.

Cross-cutting themes

The initiative incorporated a gender-based approach, with a focus on environmental sustainability and climate change, by:

• Highlighting and sharing specific experiences on these topics.
• Embedding these themes in joint work sessions.
• Integrating them explicitly in the methodological guide, ensuring they are reflected in future applications.

By fostering regional collaboration, structured municipal governance, and sustainable local development, this initiative contributes to enhanced public service delivery and stronger municipal institutions in Latin America.

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership's member entities and collaborating organizations in sustainable territorial development were leveraged to design the "Methodological Guide for the Creation and Management of Municipal Associations" (Guía Metodológica para la Creación y Gestión de Asociaciones Municipales).

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The results of this initiative have contributed to and aligned with SDG 11, particularly the following targets:

• Target 11.1: "By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums."
• Target 11.3: "By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries."
• Target 11.6: "By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management."

By strengthening municipal associations, improving service delivery, and fostering collaborative governance, this initiative supports inclusive urban development, sustainable local management, and enhanced public service provision in municipalities across Latin America.

Implementing partner

National Institute of Industrial Technology - INTI (Argentina)