Background and Objective: Sustainable development is recognized as one of the fundamental approaches to urban management and requires the formulation and implementation of effective environmental policies by municipalities. Accordingly, the present study aimed to develop a model of the challenges to achieving sustainable development in municipal environmental policies.
Methods: This applied study adopted a qualitative research approach using thematic analysis. The participants consisted of experts in urban management, public policy, and environmental studies, who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and theoretical saturation was achieved after conducting 18 interviews. The collected data were analyzed through systematic coding and thematic analysis.
Findings: The findings revealed that the challenges to achieving sustainable development in municipal environmental policies can be classified into four overarching themes: environmental governance and policymaking challenges; environmental resource and infrastructure challenges; socio-cultural challenges; and technical, operational, and information-related challenges. These themes encompass a wide range of interrelated issues, including weak inter-organizational coordination, inadequate environmental laws and regulations, financial and human resource constraints, insufficient technological infrastructure, limited public participation, inadequate environmental education and awareness, deficiencies in environmental information and monitoring systems, and limited institutional and operational capacities.
Conclusion: The proposed model provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and prioritizing the challenges associated with municipal environmental policymaking. It can assist policymakers and municipal managers in improving environmental governance, strengthening institutional and operational capacities, enhancing stakeholder participation, and formulating effective strategies to facilitate the achievement of sustainable development goals in urban management.
Keywords: Sustainable Development; Environmental Policy; Municipalities; Urban Management; Thematic Analysis; Environmental Governance.