City Politics is a national forum that brings the public, practitioners, and policymakers together to discuss urban governance, participatory democracy, empowered local self-governments, and systemic reforms needed to improve the quality of urban life.
Our Approach
We started City Politics on Facebook and LinkedIn in September 2020. The forum has a pan India presence with representation from various stakeholders regarding urban governance, reforms, policies and politics.
All our forums are centred around:
- Redefining “city politics” as the “good” politics for better managing garbage, water, sanitation, public spaces, other city services and local governance in ways that allow citizens to participate actively
- Amplifying the voices for systemic urban transformation and sustainable urban future
Learn More
Since September 2020, we have held eight events with speakers and citizen participation from across India on pertinent subjects of urban governance. We want to ensure that what we learn is beneficial for the citizens and government. Explore our events to date.
2022
My City My Budget – Phase 2
January 1, 2022
In August 2021, BBMP allotted sixty lakhs to each ward committee. Overall, it amounts to nearly one hundred twenty crores for all 198 wards.
Why are local body elections critical for Chennai?
February 1, 2022
Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu, will get an elected council to monitor the administration of the city after a gap of over five years.
2021
Citizens and politicians join hands for ward committees in Mangaluru
February 12, 2021
This session enabled coordination between various stakeholders in Mangaluru on the delay of formation of ward committees.
Outcome of policing in Bengaluru during COVID-19 pandemic
February 24, 2021
This session was based on the research by our Research & Insights team in collaboration with Hanns Seidel Stiftung. It focussed on the outcomes of policing in Bengaluru during the pandemic, changed public perceptions and importance of 'community policing’.
Youth and municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh
March 6, 2021
This session discussed: What do the #youth of Andhra Pradesh think about this municipal election? How do they decide on the right candidate? What do they think about the responsibilities of city governments and the councilors who represent them?
Can this assembly election transform urban governance in Tamil Nadu?
March 12, 2021
This session focused on uncovering: How can Tamil Nadu bring urban governance to the forefront of election discussion, and how can this assembly election positively transform Tamil Nadu’s cities and towns?
Can this assembly election transform urban governance in Kerala?
March 19, 2021
This session aimed to answer how the upcoming elections in Kerala (the fourth most urbanised state in our country) can bring urban governance to the forefront of discussions, and how this assembly election can positively transform Kerala’s cities and towns?
#CitiesFightCovid...1
July 17, 2021
This was the first session of our #CitiesFightCovid series, enabling participants to hear from the city administrators at the frontlines of the biggest battle our cities are facing in recent times.
#CitiesFightCovid…2
July 31, 2021
This was the second session of the #CitiesFightCovid series. It amplified the voices of the BBMP Nodal officers and citizens who participated in Ward Committees for COVID management.
Where is My Corporator?
September 15, 2021
This session was about why city elections are not held with the same enthusiasm as state or national elections, the excuses used to delay them, solutions for these and the impact of not having a council of citizens. It was attended by city politicians of all parties including several seasoned ex-corporators.
2020
People Power
October 10, 2020
This webinar focussed on having ground level civic leaders join our platform and on giving them a stage to share their experiences
People Power
October 17, 2020
This webinar focussed on having ground level civic leaders and giving them a platform to share their experiences. It also focussed on innovative methods of civic participation.
Conversations on #Citypolitics
October 29, 2020
This webinar encompassed everything that is to know about decentralisation in Kerala. Dr. Elamon brought forth his rich experience of democratic decentralisation to address questions raised by citizens.
Does the New BBMP Bill solve Bengaluru's Problem?
November 5, 2020
This webinar focused on debating the new BBMP Bill, 2020 and whether it is good enough.
The art and science of public toilets
December 19, 2020
The panelists discussed ways of tackling the issue of public urination. They shared what motivated them to take up this issue and how they went about tackling it in their neighbourhood.
Can politics be taught?
December 22, 2020
The webinar delved into the questions: What do politicians study? What does it take to enter politics? Can an individual enter politics after doing a course? Do trained politicians have better winnability? Also, personal anecdotes about training politicians were shared.
Are elected representatives able to do what they are supposed to do?
January 30, 2020
This webinar was based on a Jana-Brown Citizenship Index study. Politicians from across the country were asked their opinion and inputs around this study.
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