Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5.2.1.1 Basic Stages of an SUP Process
1. Using the work of the technical secretary as a starting point, work
groups debate and approve a diagnosis of the city that includes its
localisation. The document must be approved by the executive com-
mittee, by the general council, or by a full meeting of the corporation
as the case may be.
2. Based on the diagnosis, and keeping in mind its antecedents and
conclusions, strengths and weaknesses, the next step is the creation
of scenarios and, based on the use of imagination and rigour, the
development of prospective tasks related to the creation of future
alternatives so that the executive committee can select a model or
vision for the city. Their choice will be the basis for the genera-
tion of related key topics and/or directions for general actions to
be taken.
3. Once the work teams have been reorganised, mainly made up of
key decision makers and implementers, each key topic and line
of action will be dealt with separately, designing a detailed list of
necessary and/or advisable projects. Once the results have been
consolidated, a prioritised list of projects will be made available
from which a selection will be made. The next step is the elabora-
tion of an action plan that includes the agents involved, timing and
resources.
4. Once all of the previously mentioned documents have been
approved, the next step is implementation—carrying out the proj-
ect itself. This stage is decisive; at this point, plans are usually
given a structure in which the organisation is even more explicitly
clarified.
5.2.1.2 Critical Comments on SUP Processes
Sectors in the area of civic participation, as well as planning profession-
als and political activists, have all expressed criticism of SUP processes.
However, SUP processes include aspects that favour selective participation,
territorial organisation and coordination/cooperation between public and
private sectors. On the other hand, SUP processes seem to be independent of
political ideologies.
5.2.1.3 Theoretical Development
Knowledge relating to SUP processes is evolving in two complementary
directions that can be denominated, borrowing concepts from program-
ming, as bottom-up and top-down.
