1. Introduction to Political Commitment

During the third step, the strategic programme is put forward to the city coouncil to be approved and get legitimisation. Many cities choose to also approve the action plan and the entire organisational setup for running the integrated management system.

If the integrated management system is not accepted and backed by the politicians and the top management in the city, its implementation process may actually never take place due to a high degree of disregard and resulting inaction at the implementation level. Political commitment should be seen as a driving force that stimulates the management cycle. Therefore, seek political commitment from the very beginning of the process, when the idea of the implementation of the integrated management system is in its infancy.

Involve major political groups, including the mayor, other high-level politicians, different stakeholders and the general public in preparing the strategic programme and action plan. Debate is required and it leads, finally, to the political approval of the strategic programme by the city council to gain legitimacy.