Planos diretores participativos e gestão urbana em cidades médias sob o estatuto da cidade

The paper analyzes the implementation of the new regulatory framework of urban policy in Brazil, synthesized by the Constitution of 1988 and its subsequent regulations by the Statute of the City (Federal Law No. 10.257/2001). The empirical analysis focuses on three medium-sized cities in the state of São Paulo (Piracicaba, Bauru and Rio Claro), and addresses three complementary dimensions. First: interprets the participatory processes that resulted in the new Master Plan. Second, analyzes the crisis of the developmental model for understanding the transformations experienced by the Brazilian urban network, through which the medium-sized cities took on increasing economic relevance. Third: examines the inclusion and regulation of Special Zones of Social Interest (ZEIS) and how this instrument has been used in dealing with urban problems and the housing deficit. Apart from normative considerations, the study aims to assess the actual contribution of the City Statute in the democratization of urban management.