Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

The Impact of Integrated Urban Management on Enhancing the Livability of Tabriz: Identifying Solutions and Evaluating Its Effects

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Masoud Mohammadian Beiragh 1
Rafat Shahmari Ardejani 2
Seyedeh Sedigheh Hassani Mehr 3
Alireza Pourshikhian 2
1 Ph.D candidate, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Ast, C, Islamic Azad University, Astara, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Ast, C, Islamic Azad University, Astara, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Ast, C, Islamic Azad University, Astara, Iran
10.22034/uep.2025.510887.1609
Abstract
Introduction 
In Tabriz, the lack of integrated urban management is reflected in urban issues. One of the main problems is the multiplicity of decision-making entities without effective coordination between them. Municipalities, city councils, service organizations, traffic police, private companies, and government institutions all play roles in urban management. Still, the lack of a coherent structure for coordination between these sectors has led to fragmented performance. This lack of coordination has caused delays in urban projects, waste of financial resources, and dissatisfaction among citizens. For example, urban projects such as public transportation development, revitalization of old neighborhoods, and green space development have either been stalled or executed poorly due to the absence of a unified and coordinated policy among the executive bodies. Issues related to waste management, air pollution, and unbalanced urban development are also noteworthy in Tabriz. In recent years, the city has faced increased air pollution due to the uncontrolled growth of private vehicles, a lack of adequate public transportation development, and the absence of a smart traffic management system. Additionally, the uneven distribution of urban services in different neighborhoods of Tabriz shows that spatial justice in resource allocation has not been observed. Areas in the north and south of the city still face a shortage of educational, healthcare, and green space infrastructure, while some more developed areas fully benefit from these amenities. This has led to increased social and geographical gaps across the city, reducing the livability of citizens in underprivileged areas. Furthermore, weak citizen participation in urban decision-making is another problem of urban management in Tabriz. Urban policymaking is usually top-down and lacks active citizen and local group participation. This has led to social resistance against many urban decisions, reducing their effectiveness. The lack of transparency in urban decision-making and insufficient access to information about budgets, development projects, and macro-level decisions are also factors that reduce public trust in the urban management of Tabriz. In such circumstances, the lack of integrated urban management has become one of the main concerns in Tabriz governance. The absence of a coordinated system that can unite all urban institutions under a unified management framework has created a significant barrier to improving citizens’ quality of life and enhancing livability in Tabriz. This issue highlights the need for a scientific and thorough examination of how integrated urban management impacts the livability of Tabriz.
Materials and Methods
This research utilizes a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative), including content analysis of urban policies, document review, interviews with urban managers, and statistical analysis of data collected from Tabriz citizens. In the qualitative phase, content analysis of municipal reports and interviews with 20 urban experts was conducted. In the quantitative phase, a field survey was conducted using a standard questionnaire with 383 Tabriz citizens, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that urban governance, transportation, infrastructure, and urban economy significantly impact livability. The applied mixed-method approach increased the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the research, providing practical solutions for improving urban management and enhancing the livability of Tabriz.
Findings
The results of path analysis indicate that all independent variables have significant direct and indirect effects on urban livability. The high predictive power of the research model, with a Q² value greater than 0.5 for all variables, indicates a high predictive ability. Urban governance, with an overall effect of 0.65, and transportation and infrastructure, with an overall effect of 0.62, have the strongest impact on urban livability, emphasizing the importance of governance policies and sustainable infrastructure development in improving urban quality of life. Mediating variables play a key role in transferring the effects to livability. Managerial transparency, with an indirect effect of 0.23 and an overall effect of 0.54, infrastructure sustainability with an overall effect of 0.59, and public participation with an overall effect of 0.52, all significantly contribute to improving livability. Furthermore, integrated urban management, with an overall effect of 0.47, and spatial justice, with an overall effect of 0.55, demonstrate the importance of coordination in decision-making and equitable access to services. Urban environmental issues, with an overall effect of 0.43, emphasize the critical role of preserving natural resources and reducing pollution. In conclusion, this analysis suggests that policymakers should focus on three key areas: urban governance and transparency, the development of sustainable infrastructure, and strengthening public participation. Establishing an integrated urban management system, along with smart economic and infrastructure policies, improving environmental conditions, and increasing citizen involvement in decision-making can significantly enhance urban livability.
Conclusion
Improving the livability of Tabriz requires the implementation of a range of management and urban planning solutions. Strengthening integrated urban management through coordination between the municipality, service organizations, and the private sector can prevent duplication of efforts and resource waste. Increasing transparency in urban decision-making and establishing systems for public oversight will boost public trust and improve the efficiency of urban management. Developing public transportation infrastructure, with a focus on expanding metro lines, pedestrian and cycling paths, will not only reduce traffic congestion but also help improve air quality. In terms of spatial justice, decentralizing urban services and creating appropriate infrastructure in the underprivileged areas of Tabriz should be prioritized to achieve balanced urban service distribution. Enhancing citizen participation through educational programs and encouraging local institutions to engage in urban decision-making can strengthen the role of citizens in urban development processes. In urban environmental management, planning for increased green space per capita, optimal waste management, and control of noise and environmental pollution is essential. Finally, to strengthen the urban economy, supporting start-ups, developing sustainable economic spaces, and attracting investment in urban projects can contribute to Tabriz’s economic growth and increase urban employment.
Keywords
Citizen Participation
Integrated Urban Management
Tabriz City
Urban Governance
Urban Livability

Subjects

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Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 6, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 114-134

  • Receive Date 06 March 2025
  • Revise Date 26 April 2025
  • Accept Date 14 May 2025