Local governments in local development role: The case of Kütahya province

This thesis aims to analyze the economic structure of Kutahya, the dynamics in the fields of agriculture, livestock, tourism and industry, and to examine the projects realized by local governments in line with sustainable development goals. Factors such as the economic diversity of Kutahya, social responsibility projects, environmentally friendly practices and energy policies are aimed at evaluating the city's success in the development process and future strategies. The economy of Kutahya is based on agriculture and industry, especially the agricultural production and livestock sector is of great interest. Thanks to its unique soil structure, the city supports economic growth with products that stand out in the field of agriculture. Livestock, with their efficient basins, provide significant advantages to the region and contribute to the economy. In addition, industrial areas such as the production of tiles, porcelain and ceramics contribute to the economy at the national and international level as well as creating employment. Kutahya's projects, which play an important role in achieving sustainable development goals, are concentrated in the fields of social, environmental, education, energy and culture-art. Social projects provide solutions for the needs of the people in important areas such as unobstructed living centers and food banking. Environmental projects prioritize sustainability with traffic regulations and renewable energy applications. Energy projects aim to contribute to energy independence by using the region's renewable energy potential. As a result, the economic diversity of Kutahya and the sustainable development vision of local governments are taking successful steps to increase the prosperity of the city and grow in an environmentally responsible manner. However, by developing more effective strategies, especially in the field of tourism, and using the potential in the energy sector more efficiently, the city can be moved to a sustainable future more powerfully.