In an era when urbanization processes are accelerating, environmental problems are deepening on a global scale, and local governments are assuming an increasingly central role in the provision of public services, examining the relationship between the urban and the environment from the perspective of local governments has become highly important. The sustainability of cities encompasses not only physical planning decisions but also a wide range of policy areas, from energy policies to digital governance and from institutional structures to the management of environmental services. In this context, local governments emerge as key actors both in addressing environmental problems and in implementing sustainable urbanization goals. This book, titled “Urban and Environment in Local Governments: From Theory to Practice,” aims to contribute to the literature by examining the relationship between urbanization and the environment within the context of local governments through both theoretical discussions and practical examples.

In the first chapter, Güven DENİZ, in his study titled “Urbanization Dynamics and Green Energy Demand,”comprehensively examines the impact of urbanization on energy consumption. The study also emphasizes that the transition to green energy is a critical necessity for sustainable urban development.

In the second chapter, Adnan TETİKOL, in his study titled “Participation in Urban Services: A Model Proposal through Waste Management,” discusses the theoretical foundations of participation in urban services. In doing so, the chapter explores the possibilities of transitioning to a model in which citizens are not merely recipients of services but also actors involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of those services. In addition, the study examines in a multidimensional manner the Participatory Urban Waste Management Model, which integrates technical and social approaches.

In the third chapter, Emre EKİNCİ, in his study titled “A Literature and Legislative Review on Regulatory Instruments in Environmental Law,” addresses the regulatory instruments used in environmental law within the framework of conceptual foundations, legal characteristics, and implementation practices. In this context, the planning, implementation, and monitoring processes of environmental policies by local governments are examined, highlighting the importance of environmental governance at the local level.

In the fourth chapter, Oğuzhan ÖZALTIN and Ceyda ŞATAF, in their study titled “Digitalization in Local Governments: The Case of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality,” analyze the process of digital transformation in local governments through the example of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. Based on the United Nations Local Online Service Index, the study examines the digital service capacities of municipalities, e-municipality practices, and digital tools aimed at increasing citizen participation. The research reveals that digitalization has created a significant transformation in local service delivery in terms of efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

In the fifth chapter, Hakan OLGUN, in his study titled “Provincial Special Administrations in Türkiye: Historical Process, Reform, and Elimination from Metropolitan Areas,” examines the historical development of special provincial administrations in Türkiye, the reform processes they have undergone, and the institutional transformations they face today. In particular, the position of these administrations within the local government system is analyzed within the framework of the Law No. 5302 on Provincial Special Administrations and the amendments introduced by Law No. 6360, and discussions regarding their future are evaluated.

Taken together, the book demonstrates that local governments are not merely institutions providing services but also strategic actors that guide transformation in areas such as environmental sustainability, energy transition, digital governance, and local democracy. By bringing together theoretical approaches and practical cases, this work aims to contribute to academic discussions and local government practices in the field of urban and environmental policies. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the authors who made valuable contributions to the preparation of this book and to everyone who supported the process, and I hope that this work will be beneficial to both the relevant literature and practice.

On this occasion, I dedicate this book to my beloved son Mehmet Deniz USTA, who brings light to my life with his joy and gives strength to my work with his patience.

Dr. Gamze ÇÜRÜKSULU USTA

Assistant Professor

March / 2026