A Proposed Model for Multi-Level Strategic Development Planning in Palestine

Multi-level strategic development planning in Palestine is conducted at three levels; the national, the regional, and the local levels. The problem of the research is the lack of systemic planning linkages between these levels. In this study, literature in strategic development planning is reviewed, in order to illustrate and discuss some related concepts, principles, and approaches of linking multi-level strategic development planning. In addition, specific case studies of multi-level strategic development planning systems in different countries are discussed and analyzed to benefit from their experiences. The three levels of strategic development planning in Palestine are analyzed and assessed regarding planning approach, participation, institutional and legal status, and linkages among the planning levels. Furthermore, a case study of multi-level strategic development planning in Nablus Governorate is studied. First, the relationships between the Governorate plan and two national plans are assessed. These national plans are the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP) for the years 2008-2010, and the National Development Plan (NDP) for the years 2011-2013. Second, the relationships between the Governorate plan and two local plans are assessed. These local plans are Nablus City Local Development plan (LDP) for the years 2012-2015, and Beita Town Local Development Plan (LDP) for the years 2012-2015. Depending on literature review, analysis of the three levels, and assessment of the relationships between the plans in the case study, a proposed model of multi-level strategic development planning in Palestine is developed. The proposed approach is a combined approach of top-down and bottom-up planning. As the strategic and fiscal planning policies are set out by the national level, while the strategic development planning is basically conducted by the local level, except the strategic development projects, which have a national character, such as hospitals, national roads, regional sewage treatment systems, and universities. The responsibility for planning such strategic projects are directed to the sectoral ministries at the national level. It is proposed that strategic development plans are prepared for two levels, the national and the local. The role of the regional level is proposed to be a coordinating role between the national and local levels, in addition to overseeing the local planning and providing technical support to the municipalities and Joint Service Councils (JSCs). Furthermore, planning time horizon at the national and the local level is proposed to be unified for four years rolling plans, in order to encourage integrated planning. Furthermore, the proposed roles and responsibilities are identified for all stakeholders, which are involved in strategic development planning at the three levels. In addition, the relevant institutional, legal, and financial frameworks are developed. These three frameworks constitute the enabling environment that could be essential for adopting and implementing the proposed model effectively.