Best Practice in Bulgarian Local Self-Governments 2016/2017

November 2016 - May 2017

with the support of

Council of Europe

Ministry of Regional development and Public Works

National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria 

 
Extended deadline for participation: March 31, 2017!

The authors of the first two practices in each category will receive a prize trip to Strasbourg, France, and visit to the Council of Europe.

 

About the Programme

The programme provides an opportunity to celebrate excellence in local government and to spread best practice and help other local authorities to enhance their efficiency and improve citizens’ quality of life. 

Structures

>> Steering Committee – representatives of the CoE, the government, the national association, the national partner and an independent expert.

>> Selection Panel – 4 independent experts in the field of local self-government.

Implementation   

All local authorities are eligible and invited to participate in the competition. Practices that had been realized during the last 18 months in three areas are welcomed to participate.

The themes of the competition are:

I. Municipal support for civic initiatives

In this thematic area practices will compete that led to the introduction of new solutions at local level as a result of proposals from citizens and NGOs. also practices supporting the initiatives of socio-economic partners through institutional and other support for projects of citizens, schools, community centres, NGOs, public and consultative councils and other forms of participation of citizens in decision-making process and more. Especially will be welcomed the participation of practices with and for young people.

II. New management technologies and solutions

It is expected in this thematic area to be presented practices introducing new technologies and solutions in municipal management, administrative services, infrastructure and spatial development, transport, public services, parking, tourism and others. Incl. mobile applications, open data, internet based platforms or advanced green technologies and solutions and more.

III. Social innovation and partnerships

In this thematic area is expected to achieve the participation of examples of social innovation such as: solving the demographic problem, elderly care, social services, social enterprises, ensuring equal access to education and health and social support, active involvement of consumers and etc., highly will be valued integrated approaches, synergy of participation and interaction of various institutions, organizations and citizens in the realization of practice.

Stages of implementing the program:    

Information campaign                                           November - December 2016

Gathering of practices for the contest                   January - 31 March 2017

Evaluation and awarding of best practices            April - May 2017

The criteria for evaluation practices are:

1. Relevance and Impact

2. Openness and transparency

3. Innovation

4. Sustainability

The local authorities will be informed about the programme through 3 regional meetings organised by the national partner FLGR, through FLGR website and FLGR e-weekly.

The evaluation of the best practice is carried out in 2 steps:

1.    Evaluation of all submitted applications and shortlisting - by the Selection Panel;

2.    Presentation of the shortlisted practice to the Steering Committee - by the Selection Panel.

 

Best Practice in Bulgarian Local Self-Governments 2016/2017 is implemented in Bulgaria in the period October 2016 - May 2017 with the support of the Council of Europe.

The programme will be completed by an Awarding ceremony.

An edition of selected best practices will be elaborated and distributed.

 Extended deadline for participation: March 31, 2017!