Socioeconomic Zoning and Municipal Management for Sustainable Local Development: A Case Study of Valencia Canton, Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63969/7frstz56Keywords:
socioeconomic zoning, spatial planning, public policy, municipal management, sustainable local developmentAbstract
Introduction: Municipal planning requires territorial information capable of revealing inequalities, anticipating demand, and guiding resource allocation. This study evaluated the influence of socioeconomic zoning on public policy formulation and sustainable local development in Valencia Canton, Los Ríos Province, Ecuador. A descriptive, field-based and documentary case study was conducted using a predominantly quantitative approach. Information was obtained from municipal documents, statistical and geospatial data, territorial observation, structured interviews, and a survey of 382 residents selected through simple random sampling, with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Results revealed limited citizen participation: only 10% reported feeling involved in cantonal decision-making. Canton-wide coverage reached 71% for drinking water, 47% for sewerage, 80% for electricity, and approximately 80% for solid-waste collection. Land occupancy was 59% in Valencia, 17% in La Unión, and 11% in La Nueva Unión, while buildability reached 73%, 36%, and 32%, respectively. Based on these territorial differences, five functional zones and a management model were proposed, organised around strategic planning, infrastructure, economic development, housing, community participation, monitoring, and inter-institutional cooperation. The study concludes that socioeconomic zoning can strengthen municipal capacity to prioritise interventions and connect urban growth with territorial equity and sustainability, provided that zoning information is periodically updated and supported by effective citizen participation. Objective: The objective was to analyze the influence of socioeconomic zoning on public policy formulation and to propose a management model for sustainable development in Valencia Canton, Ecuador. Methodology: A descriptive, documentary, and field-based case study was conducted with a predominantly quantitative approach. The sample comprised 382 residents, and data were collected through surveys, interviews, documentary review, and territorial analysis. Results: The findings revealed limited citizen participation, gaps in basic service coverage, and an unequal concentration of facilities and infrastructure across Valencia, La Unión, and La Nueva Unión. Five socioeconomic zones and eight territorial management components were defined. Conclusions: Socioeconomic zoning supports place-based municipal decisions, investment prioritization, and stronger links among planning, participation, and monitoring.
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