Public administration, regional development and sustainable cities

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the importance of the public administration in regional development, with emphasis on cities, regarding to the various dimensions of development, such as environmental, technological, social and institutional. The theory of growth poles and the theory of endogenous development were considered in the theoretical framework. The methodology consisted of a qualitative and descriptive bibliographic research, with analysis of two development indexes, the Municipal Management Challenges Index - IDGM and the FIRJAN Municipal Development Index - IFDM, highlighting some Brazilian municipalities. Cities generate jobs and income, which are essential for economic growth and development, and face management problems and socio-environmental impacts. The State has a fundamental role in providing zoning conditions that guarantee an adequate and orderly use of the land, but public administration can become an obstacle to local development due to the mismanagement of public resources, lack of adequate planning, corruption, among others.

Keywords: Urban economics; Sustainability; Urban growth; Public administration; Government.