As we work to create our Transparency Ranking of 100 Ukrainian Cities we are constantly faced with imbalances. Some indicators are growing dynamically whereas others are undergoing only minimal changes.

So what are these indicators and why is this happening? We explain it further.

Fail vs Win # 1

Low average transparency.

Currently, the average municipal transparency rate is 40%, which is quite low compared to other countries that use a similar methodology.

However, the competition between cities is increasing.

As more cities actively engage themselves in the fight for transparency, competition between them is increasing. Thanks to such proactive cities our ranking is very dynamic.

Fail vs Win # 2

Tendency to ignore the requirements of the law.

According to the City Transparency Ranking 2018, the average compliance with the legally binding recommendations is 44%.

Despite this the proactive position of some city councils helps to implement the changes quickly and effectively. City councils who referred to TI Ukraine for clarification have made more progress in implementing the recommendations.

Fail vs Win # 3

At the local level, there is often lack of leadership and strategies for the changes. Only 38% of best practices recommendations are implemented by city councils.

However, the number of in transparent cities is decreasing. In 2017, there were 17 cities with less than 20 points, in 2018 - only 2.

Fail vs Win # 4

Cities have rather a formal approach for transparency implementing.

Transparency for local officials is often being transformed into simple "reporting" and "posting information on the site." Only some city councils are ready to deliver convenient and accessible websites.

However, the cities are actively implementing electronic services. This significantly saves time of the local people and makes decision-making process easier and more understandable for them.

Fail vs Win # 5

City councils do not always use the opportunities available.

For instance, the Open Budget portal publishes all local budget information. The portal provides budget control to citizens, but only 41 city councils have announced the distribution of expenses in 2018.

However, the practice of involving the public in decision-making is spreading. More and more often in the cities, one can hear about participatory budgeting, involvement of citizens in meetings of collegian bodies, work of supervisory boards of utility companies and budget hearings.

So, although some city councils are not working on specific indicators, initiatives of the communities and competing cities are still pushing them forward. And every Fail becomes a step to Win!