tackling corruption in palermo fighting the mafia and reclaiming a city (1993-2000) august 7, 2012...
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TACKLING CORRUPTION IN PALERMOFighting the Mafia and Reclaiming a City (1993-2000)
August 7, 2012
Presentation: Laura Bacon (Princeton ISS)
‘Comparative, International Perspectives on Corruption’: A Symposium hosted by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and Innovations for Successful Societies, Princeton
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Overview
Research conducted in Palermo, Sicily (2012)
Innovative approach to widespread corruption
Challenges Strategy Actions Reflections
Challenges
Mafia’s physical, political, cultural grip on city
“Sack of Palermo” Lack of cultural activity Weak education system Mismanaged city administration Weak service delivery Corrupt bidding processes
Strategy
Reclaim citizenship and city pride Reasserting state Public ownership Palermo Model
Actions taken
“Normal” actions in an “abnormal” environment Improved hiring practices Improved IT and connectivity Got papers in order Raised revenues Reformed bidding process
Actions taken – today’s focus Innovative anti-corruption reforms
Leveraged public spaces, arts & culture Incorporated civics into education
curriculum Engaged citizens and business leaders
Public spaces, arts, culture
Restoration of city center Zisa Cultural Center Café Concerto Teatro Massimo
Reforming education
Building infrastructure Newspaper classroom project Civics lessons “Adopt a Monument”
Improving business climate
Founded one-stop-shop Kick-started entrepreneurial activity Promoted tourism
Engaging citizens
Communications & accessibility Participatory budgeting Neighborhood councils Immigrant council Results
Overall impact
Mafia influence diminished Earned international credibility Reforms backslid with new
administration
Connection to ISS Cases
Medellin and Bogota, Colombia Solo, Indonesia
2005: municipal government started to revitalize city.
Built alliances with business, civil society, NGOs Created a one-stop shop Expanded vendor facilities and health services Boosted tourism; revived as arts and culture
center Opened the budget process to greater public
scrutiny.
Connections to other ISS case Cape Town (Manenburg)
Escalating violence in the 1990s Gangs asserted domination Directorate of Community Development
Mapped challenges Created Area Coordinating Teams Provided a space for local participation in
development projects Solicited feedback on city services Asserted presence of government in insecure
areas
Reflections
Strategic: When should leaders confront corruption directly?
Indirectly? Bypass entirely? How do leaders build sustainability into efforts? How to find windows of opportunity for action? How can leaders import and export ideas about anti-
corruption strategies? Analytical:
How do responses to organized crime differ from responses to other types of corruption?
In your country, city or institution, what are the core values? How have they been distorted? How could they be restored?
Logistical: How does one obtain resources for such projects?
Questions?
Contact: Laura Bacon (bacon@princeton.edu)
To access our free case studies and oral histories, please visit: www.princeton.edu/successfulsocieties
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