Impulso Local: Antigua, Guatemala

Context

Impulso Local is a UNIT program developed from its extensive experience working with over 170 local governments across Latin America. Its purpose is to strengthen the capacities of public officials and their ecosystem of key actors, promoting open, participatory, and collaborative public management.

In 2019, UNIT developed the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Local Playbook, a key guide for implementing open government initiatives in municipalities. This material, created through an in-depth research and co-design process with public servants from 14 local governments, has become a fundamental reference for municipalities seeking to build open government plans based on transparency and citizen engagement.

In 2024, the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala joined the Open Government Partnership Local (OGP Local) initiative to develop its Open Government model. UNIT supported this process, providing a methodology adapted to the local context.

Desafío

Design and establish a sustainable governance model aligned with Open Government principles, encouraging active citizen participation and cross-sector collaboration in the creation and implementation of public policies.

Through Impulso Local, UNIT supported the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala throughout 2024, designing a comprehensive methodology to strengthen public capacities for implementing co-creation processes, ensuring transparency, and building a participatory governance model.

Metodología

The implementation of Impulso Local was structured in three consecutive stages, prioritizing the strengthening of public capabilities and the generation of public value.

1. Design

• Objective: Define a comprehensive, locally adapted plan, including governance models and strategies for communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Tools: Innovation and design workshops, weekly mentoring sessions, and strategic stakeholder mapping.

2. Co-design of a Citizen Services Agenda

• Objective: Develop an agenda aligned with municipal priorities and citizens’ needs, actively involving local actors in co-creation processes.
• Tools: Citizen workshops and forums, analysis of the existing service portfolio, and collaborative solution design.

3. Implementation Support

• Objective: Strengthen local capacities to implement, monitor, and scale the designed initiatives, ensuring their sustainability.
• Tools: Change management workshops, communication strategies, and ongoing risk and progress monitoring.

Impact

• 450+ citizens involved in co-creation processes through workshops, forums, and participatory sessions.
• 10 facilitators trained in co-creation methodologies and participatory process management.
• 3 data systems implemented to gather and analyze information from citizen forums and workshops.
• Governance model developed in line with Open Government principles and tailored to the local context.

Resources

• Case - OGP (Proyect)
• OGP Open Government Guide (Publication)
• Impulso Local Brochure (Brochure)