DETERMINANTS OF THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY'S STATUS AS AN ACTOR OF DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES

Strengthening the self-governing management of society as the final aspect of democratisation and decentralisation is reflected on organisational, financial facilities and competences of the local municipality as the local self-government. The status of the real actor in all processes within its area is given by these facilities and competences. Municipality is a part of the institutional surroundings and that is why requirements of being efficient and superior actor are being imposed on it. Fulfilling the aim of improving the quality of life of its inhabitants while securing sustainable development means to reach such development parameters of the local municipality that improve its competitiveness in respecting public interests of citizens and state. This status has its determinants: scope in endogenous development concepts (new public management, good governance, local economic development) and factors supporting its outcomes (limits and stimuli). The aim of the paper is on the basis of these determinants to evaluate municipal status in the development processes.