num_pages: 168
description: The author describes in this book the important role of the municipality of Leon regarding to housing and urban planning. One of the most important developments in Nicaragua is the self-sufficiency of municipalities in relation to Managua. Managua in this respect, is the national government as well as the rulers of the two main political parties, the F.S.L.N. and the P.L.C., that both have a strong influence on regional and local level. Municipalities in Nicaragua are rather young institutions. In the Somoza-time, municipalities did not play a role at all and all power was concentrated in Managua and all tax income was located there. In the time of the Sandinista-government the first Municipal Law (Law 40) was established, but the governmental practice remained top-down. Since 1990 there is a movement towards decentralization of government and since 2000 concrete measures were taken towards participation of population and private sector on regional and local level. This is a very hopeful development for the country because it will bring local as well national democracy a lot closer. Strengthening local government is necessary in order to use the potentials of residents and entrepreneurs with the improvement of the quality of life and the economy in their own environment. The facilities of self-help activities as described, as main municipal task, brings perspectives for people and sustainable development.
language: English
title: Estrategias de desarrollo urbano en Leon Nicaragua: Urban development strategies in Leon Nicaragua
titlecomplete: Estrategias de desarrollo urbano en Leon Nicaragua: Urban development strategies in Leon Nicaragua
publisher: Purdue University Press