This personal project examines Costa Rica’s local government structures and institutions resulting from the municipal code reform of April 30, 1998. There is no particular purpose in this series of articles other than to observe and share the dynamics and the social mechanisms by which municipal governments are able to meet –or not– the demands of their constituents.
Although still important, my primary focus has shifted from the municipal government’s relationship and interactions with the national government to a more specific view of just one region and all its branches. In my case, this refers to San Rafael de Heredia, a canton comprising five districts of nearly 60 thousand people. In some ways, SRH reflects the average Costa Rican community.
Here are a couple of examples of the types of stories:
- From local education boards to the municipal councils: How the grass roots grow and become local political discourse
- Interviews with community activists and organizers and others involved in developing community projects, despite overwhelming challenges
GETTING STARTED
- Beyond politics: Water resources anywhere can be –and almost always are– the source of serious community conflicts. [8/1/23]
- Among media sources in SR canton is a good historical, cultural magazine that was launched in 2016. [7/18/23]
- Let’s start by taking a look at San Rafael de Heredia, the canton where I live currently.
- Municipal elections on Feb. 4, 2024 will give this project an opportunity to observe and analyze local political campaigns as they become new governments.