White Desk in Local Governments
Chapter from the book:
Yılmaz,
V.
(ed.)
2025.
Local Governments and Digitalization .
Synopsis
The White Desk, a public relations practice where municipalities directly evaluate and resolve requests, suggestions, and complaints from citizens, is an important mechanism that strengthens communication between local governments and the public. First implemented in Istanbul in 1994, this system has supported the concept of participatory democracy by establishing effective interaction between local governments and the public. Thanks to its continuous accessibility, the White Desk allows citizens to communicate their problems without encountering bureaucratic obstacles, offering a fast and transparent channel for municipal services. While the Municipal Law No. 5393 encourages citizen participation in governance, social media and e-municipality applications also enable individuals to convey their thoughts, requests, and complaints digitally. The aim of this study is to provide general information about the historical development and activities of White Desk applications in local governments, which are participatory practices, and to emphasize their importance. In this context, the purpose, scope, and activities of White Desk applications are detailed, and suggestions are made.
