Reflection on the development plans in Colombia

Abstract

From a normative review and a documentary analysis, the role of development plans in the current planning model of the country is reflected, and it is proposed that they do not depend on the electoral cycle and prioritize multi-level instrumental articulation and the citizen's agenda. The existence of centralist and hierarchical planning instruments is evident, whose greatest expression is the National Development Plan, which directs the national and sub-national agenda, which in turn influences the preparation of sub-national development plans. The regulations reveal a contradictory discourse that fosters, while limiting the action of local governments and that is evidenced in instances of participation such as territorial planning councils, which are created with a broad spirit and from generous constitutional principles., although in practice they are restricted, redirected or lose their function and objectives. In contrast, it is proposed that the planning process start from the local and articulate upwards, tuning in with the departmental and national levels..