Full Citation

Title: Decentralization, Politicization and Fiscal Solvency: The Experience in Puerto Rico After the 1991 Municipal Reform

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2015

ISBN:

ISSN: 0719-1790

DOI:

NSFID:

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Abstract: The Municipal Reform of 1991 in Puerto Rico began a process of decentralization necessary in a government characterized by centralism. The concepts of autonomy and delegation of powers of the Municipal Reform of 1991 are evaluated, and the effect of decentralization arising from the Act on the ability of local government revenues, the size of spending, debt and composition public employment, among others. The same conceptual framework used as the economic theory of fiscal federalism, taking into account the possible institutional problems and their application to the case of Puerto Rico. Reform created institutions to guide the process, he built a fairly complete legal and regulatory framework, taking into account important factors such as land use planning and promoting community participation. However, twenty years later, we can conclude that the results have been limited. One of the problems with its initial conception is that it emphasizes the delegation of powers to municipalities, but only aims to ensure that municipalities maintain their income levels, leading municipal borrowing. Given the bumps in the road, the idea of framing a decentralization process of regionalization as a new opportunity arises. However, fiscal, institutional and political constraints that must be considered if you want to achieve a successful process are discussed.

Url: http://revistariem.cl/index.php/riem/article/download/43/26

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Authors: Almestica, Eileen Segarra

Periodical (Full): REVISTA IBEROAMERICANA DE ESTUDIOS MUNICIPALES

Issue: 12

Volume:

Pages: 9-39

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Other, Population Health and Health Systems, Poverty and Welfare

Countries: Puerto Rico