Explaining the Institutional Framework for Decentralization and the Success of Local Councils in Iran

In today's world, decentralization and the formation of local institutions have been recognized as one of the ways for the efficient using a country’s resources and capabilities. Nonetheless, more than two decades after the formation of local councils in Iran, there is almost a consensus that these institutions have not only been ineffective in performing their duties, but have in many cases caused serious problems in the urban-management process. In this light, the present study aims to answer the question: what is the reason for the failure of local councils in Iran? It can be said that for decentralization to succeed, it is necessary to provide a precise institutional framework at both national and local levels, which has not happened in Iran. Using a descriptive-analytical method, this paper seeks to study the legal principles and underpinnings required for the formation of local institutions and its adaptation to Iran’s decentralization model. Undoubtedly, explaining the principles of forming local institutions and adapting them to the current situation of local councils can be a great help in improving the decentralization process in Iran.