Professional Associations as Public Actors in the Formulation and Implementation of Spatial Development Policies. Key Study Monitoring and Evaluation Standard for the Urban Environment of Sofia

Abstract

This chapter is focusing on the specific role of professional associations as proactive organizations in the development of public policies addressing sustainable local and regional development. This topic is demonstrated on the examples of a model for shared neighborhood development and a monitoring and evaluation standard for the urban environment of Sofia. The need for a more thorough approach in local community planning and design along with monitoring and evaluation of the urban environment has been identified through a series of actions and arenas related to Sofia. The approach of the Association of Bulgarian Urban and Regional Planners is described and argumented through the methods for studying the issue and the way in which it is addressed, including the phases of designing, texting and applying action research and standards in the decision-making process. The efforts of the ABURP try to establish further an urban culture both deep grass-roots and canopy farsighted around the tree of problems and solutions for the environment of Sofia.