University of Isfahan Urban Economics 2588-4867 11 2 2026 09 23 A Comparative Study of the Semi-Decentralized Governance Model in Urban Management with an Emphasis on Political Devolution (Iran, Senegal) A Comparative Study of the Semi-Decentralized Governance Model in Urban Management with an Emphasis on Political Devolution (Iran, Senegal) 1 16 30524 10.22108/ue.2026.143775.1306 FA Ahmadreza Mosaver PhD student in Department of management, Isf.C.Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Mehraban Hadi Peykani Associate Professor in Department of management, Isf.C.Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Akbar Eetebarian Professor in Department of management, Isf.C.Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Sahar Faeghi Assistant Professor in Department of management, Isf.C.Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2024 12 23 In the urban governance paradigm, countries range across a spectrum from centralized to semi-centralized and decentralized models. The urban governance model in different countries is shaped by the framework of the governance system, the constitution, and development strategies. The present study first asks which model has been able to provide a more appropriate response to the contemporary needs of urban societies, and then conducts a comparative analysis of the implementation of the semi-centralized governance model in the urban management of Iran and Senegal, with an emphasis on the component of "political devolution." This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical and comparative in terms of method. Adopting a qualitative approach and utilizing the "systematic comparative method" and a systematic literature review, the required data were collected through library-documentary methods. Causal-explanatory data analysis was conducted within the framework of five indicators: governmental structure, legal framework, financial resources, popular participation, and efficiency. The findings indicate that Senegal, by establishing empowered local institutions and securing genuine citizen participation, has been more successful in institutionalizing the semi-centralized model. In contrast, Iran, despite the establishment of local institutions, faces serious challenges due to the persistence of a centralized political structure and structural limitations on civil society participation. Successful implementation of the semi-centralized model appears to require political will for genuine delegation of authority, an appropriate legal framework, and the strengthening of social capital. The conclusion is that effective political devolution necessitates clarity in defining authorities, ensuring sustainable resources, and establishing a robust mechanism of mutual accountability between central and local government. By drawing on Senegal's experiences in diversifying local revenue sources and increasing the legal powers of councils, Iran can take effective steps towards transitioning to efficient and accountable urban governance. In the urban governance paradigm, countries range across a spectrum from centralized to semi-centralized and decentralized models. The urban governance model in different countries is shaped by the framework of the governance system, the constitution, and development strategies. The present study first asks which model has been able to provide a more appropriate response to the contemporary needs of urban societies, and then conducts a comparative analysis of the implementation of the semi-centralized governance model in the urban management of Iran and Senegal, with an emphasis on the component of "political devolution." This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical and comparative in terms of method. Adopting a qualitative approach and utilizing the "systematic comparative method" and a systematic literature review, the required data were collected through library-documentary methods. Causal-explanatory data analysis was conducted within the framework of five indicators: governmental structure, legal framework, financial resources, popular participation, and efficiency. The findings indicate that Senegal, by establishing empowered local institutions and securing genuine citizen participation, has been more successful in institutionalizing the semi-centralized model. In contrast, Iran, despite the establishment of local institutions, faces serious challenges due to the persistence of a centralized political structure and structural limitations on civil society participation. Successful implementation of the semi-centralized model appears to require political will for genuine delegation of authority, an appropriate legal framework, and the strengthening of social capital. The conclusion is that effective political devolution necessitates clarity in defining authorities, ensuring sustainable resources, and establishing a robust mechanism of mutual accountability between central and local government. By drawing on Senegal's experiences in diversifying local revenue sources and increasing the legal powers of councils, Iran can take effective steps towards transitioning to efficient and accountable urban governance. https://ue.ui.ac.ir/article_30524_8fca88c9bd784e5f472c3dd14ddfff0f.pdf