Question

You are the City Mayor of Cebu City. You know the critical need to foster immediate urban renewal projects in the blighted districts of the City.

(a) How will you go about this task? What leadership traits as the local chief executive do you have to exhibit?

(b) How do you involve the business community and the other stakeholders?

(c) Among the local government powers, which is the most applicable for the project? (you may cite the appropriate powers as outlined in the Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991)

Answer 1

To foster urban renewal projects in the blighted districts of Cebu City, the Mayor needs to identify the areas, create a comprehensive plan, mobilize resources, involve the business community and stakeholders, and monitor the progress. The Mayor should exhibit leadership traits such as vision and collaboration. Eminent domain, land use planning, local taxation, and public-private partnerships are applicable powers for the project.

Step-by-step explanation:

To foster immediate urban renewal projects in the blighted districts of Cebu City, as the Mayor, you would need to take several steps:

1. Identify the blighted districts and conduct a thorough assessment of the areas that need redevelopment.
2. Create a comprehensive urban renewal plan that includes specific construction projects aimed at revitalizing the urban areas.
3. Mobilize resources and funding for the projects, including seeking support from the national government, private investors, and international organizations.
4. Create partnerships with the business community and other stakeholders, such as community organizations, NGOs, and residents, to ensure their active participation and support in the urban renewal efforts.
5. Implement the urban renewal projects, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
6. Monitor and evaluate the progress of the projects, making necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcomes.

As the local chief executive, you need to exhibit leadership traits such as vision, strategic thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills. These traits will enable you to navigate the complexities of urban renewal and inspire others to support your initiatives.

The involvement of the business community and other stakeholders is crucial for the success of urban renewal projects:

• Engage the business community by offering incentives for investment in the blighted districts, such as tax breaks or streamlined bureaucratic processes.
• Seek partnerships with business organizations to tap into their expertise, resources, and networks.
• Involve community organizations, NGOs, and residents in the planning and implementation process to ensure their needs and interests are considered.

Among the local government powers that are most applicable for urban renewal projects are:

• Eminent Domain: This power allows the local government to acquire privately owned land for public use, which could include redevelopment projects. However, it is important to ensure fair compensation for landowners and provide support for affected residents.
• Land Use Planning: Through land use planning, the local government can regulate and control the development and use of land in the blighted districts, aligning it with the goals of urban renewal.
• Local Taxation: The local government can use its power to impose taxes and fees to generate revenue for urban renewal projects.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The local government can enter into partnerships with private entities to fund and implement urban renewal projects, leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector.