Explaining the Relationship Between Sustainable Neighborhood and the Principles of Good Urban Governance (Case Study: District 12 of Tehran)

Abstract

The present study, entitled “Analysis of the Impact of Good Governance Components on Neighborhood Sustainability in District 12 of Tehran,” was conducted with the aim of examining the role of urban governance mechanisms in enhancing or weakening various dimensions of sustainability at the neighborhood level. District 12 of Tehran, as one of the oldest and most challenging areas of the capital, characterized by a combination of physical deterioration, high population density, infrastructural deficiencies, and weaknesses in managerial structures, represents a clear example for analyzing the interaction between urban governance and neighborhood sustainability. The significance of this study lies in addressing a real urban planning need in the country: how the implementation of good governance principles can improve quality of life at the neighborhood scale, increase citizen participation, and promote social justice and urban sustainability. This research seeks to fill a theoretical and practical gap in the relationship between governance and urban sustainability within problematic urban contexts. The main objective of the study is to examine whether the realization of a good governance model in urban neighborhoods, with particular emphasis on District 12 of Tehran, can resolve managerial challenges associated with neighborhood development and lead to sustainable, participatory, and equitable development. Accordingly, the primary research question is formulated as follows: Can good urban governance serve as an effective model for enhancing neighborhood sustainability indicators and reducing local management challenges in urban areas of the country? The research method was designed as descriptive–analytical and exploratory. The statistical population included residents of various neighborhoods in District 12 of Tehran, and data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The sample size was determined to be 400 individuals based on Cochran’s formula. The statistical tools used included SPSS software for descriptive analysis and assessment of data normality, and SmartPLS software for analyzing measurement and structural models using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The results indicated a positive and statistically significant relationship between urban governance and neighborhood sustainability variables (path coefficient = 0.598, t-value = 15.290). Among governance components, decentralization, communitarianism, spatial justice, and transparency had the greatest influence on explaining neighborhood sustainability. Furthermore, among sustainability dimensions, indicators related to public infrastructure, safety and surveillance, urban environment, and access to cultural and educational services demonstrated the highest factor loadings in the model. Reliability statistics (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.970 for governance and 0.927 for sustainability) and convergent validity (0.60) confirmed the high quality of the measurement instrument. From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the literature on neighborhood-based development in Iran by presenting an integrated framework combining the concepts of good governance and neighborhood sustainability. From a practical perspective, it can serve as an effective guide for municipalities, urban planners, and policymakers in designing neighborhood-oriented policies, strengthening local institutions, and improving urban management systems. The study also emphasizes that achieving sustainable development in Iranian cities will not be possible without institutional reforms at the neighborhood level and the strengthening of participatory governance.