Local public policy formulation and implementation capacity of the metropolitan county municipalities: The sample of Eyupsultan Municipality

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the capacities of metropolitan district municipalities in formulating and implementing local public policies. Taking inspiration from Amartya Sen's emphasis on 'valued functions', the research is framed within the scope of urban transformation policies. The universe of the study comprises metropolitan district municipalities, with Eyüpsultan Municipality serving as the sample. Wu, Ramesh, and Howlett's policy capacity taxonomy is utilized as the policy capacity index. The research is conducted according to the principles and methods of qualitative research. Data collection involves interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Interviews are conducted with local policy actors, while focus group discussions involve citizens directly affected by urban transformation policies. To ensure the generalizability of the study findings, documents from at least four or five municipalities in each category are examined. The collected data is analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. The aforementioned policy capacity taxonomy is used as a template in the analysis. The taxonomy is operationalized to fit municipalities and the data obtained is evaluated under the subheadings of analytical, operational, and political capacities. A mathematical modeling is employed as the basis for analysis. As a result of the study, it is found that the analytical and political capacities of metropolitan district municipalities are reasonable, but their operational capacities, particularly at the organizational and systemic levels, are insufficient for urban transformation policies. While metropolitan district municipalities demonstrate the capacity to formulate urban transformation policies, it is concluded that their capacity to implement these policies is limited. Based on these findings, some recommendations are made for improving the operational capacities of metropolitan district municipalities at the organizational and systemic levels.