Performance of Municipal Councils in the Riyadh Region During Their First Period (1426-1430 AH)

(An Exploratory Study)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of municipal councils in the Riyadh region during their first period of operation (1426-1430 AH), within the framework of the trend towards strengthening decentralization and expanding community participation in local decision-making. The study aimed to analyze the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal councils in performing their assigned roles, in addition to identifying the most prominent organizational, financial, and human obstacles that limit the achievement of their development goals. The study adopted the descriptive analytical approach, where data was collected through a field questionnaire distributed to members of municipal councils in the Riyadh region, in addition to utilizing secondary sources represented by literature and previous studies related to this. The data were analyzed using the statistical program (SPSS) to draw conclusions and interpret them. The results of the study showed that the performance of municipal councils was at an average level, as they were able to achieve some advisory and oversight roles, but their effectiveness remained limited due to the weakness of the powers granted to them, in addition to the existence of a number of obstacles, most notably administrative centralization, insufficient financial resources, weak qualified human resources, and the lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities. The results also showed a gap between the expectations of the local community and the actual performance of municipal councils, which reflects the need to develop the mechanisms of work of these councils and enhance their role in planning and local development. In light of this, the study recommended expanding the powers of municipal councils, activating their oversight role, and providing them with the necessary financial and human resources. It also recommended enhancing transparency and community participation in their work. This study contributes to providing a scientific framework for improving the performance of municipal councils in a way that supports achieving sustainable local development and raises the efficiency of local governance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.