Strategic planning in municipalities: Example of Mani̇sa Muni̇ci̇pali̇ty

In an effort to satisfy citizens, the primary objective is to provide public service institutions with continuous change and improvement. More specifically, municipalities that are closest to the citizens that undergo these changes, in sectors such as rapid urbanization, politics, culture, economy, and technology have required taking a slightly different management approach. Based on the effectiveness and efficiency in the municipal form of government, certain types of private sector management have been implemented. With that being said, laws 5018 and 5393 have been implemented and specific strategic planning concepts have also been put in place. In this study, we take a look at the benefits of utilizing strategic planning techniques in municipal forms of government. We also consider the problems related to these techniques and how they can be resolved or overcome. Furthermore, the study explains the strategy, planning, strategic planning, and strategic management methods that are used within any given public administration and/or Turkish municipalities. In the final part of our study, we analyze the strategic planning techniques that municipalities in Manisa have utilized between the years 2006-2010 compared to the techniques used in 2010-2014. In addition, suggestions and criticisms are given based on the recommendations stated by the State Planning Organization in regards to the strategic planning process for the city of Manisa. Keywords: Strategy, Planning, Strategic Management, Strategic Planning, Strategic Planning in Municipalities