Public-private coordination in the implementation of programs at the local level. Centros comerciales a cielo abierto case (Mar del Plata, Argentina)

Abstract

The link between commerce and tourism is widely known, given the need for shops and services for the development of the activity and due to the consideration of commercial streets as recreational tourist attractions. Thus, this article set out to analyze public‑private coordination in the implementation of the Centros Comerciales a Cielo Abierto program in the city of Mar del Plata (Argentina), taking into account the resources put into play by each actor, in what is considered a governance process. It is a qualitative study, which has an interpretative approach, while taking into account the point of view of the actors involved from the use of semi‑structured inter‑ views; this information was collated and complemented with that from secondary sources. Regarding the results of the case, implementation could be achieved due to a favorable local context of government support, available financial resources, and a structure of fluid relationships between the intervening actors. The change in munici‑ pal management, as well as the lack of confidence on the part of merchants about the impact of the program, are factors that have influenced its discontinuity.