Comparative Analysis of Urban Governments in Some Countries in the World with Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

The organization and functioning of urban governments vary widely across countries, reflecting differences in political institutions, administrative traditions, and levels of decentralization. In general, city governments are structured around two core components: a legislative body (such as a City Council) and an executive branch (often led by a Mayor or Governor). The legislative body typically holds powers of law-making, oversight, and budget approval, while the executive is charged with implementing policies, managing urban services, and, in some systems, exercising partial legislative or supervisory authority. International experiences show several strengths of these models, including a strong orientation toward improving quality of life, advancing sustainable development, building smart and culturally vibrant cities, promoting citizen participation, and ensuring a clearer division of responsibilities. At the same time, challenges remain, such as ambiguous legal status, overlapping authority between levels of government, and inconsistent guidance or management frameworks. These comparative insights provide valuable references for Ho Chi Minh City as it seeks to refine its institutional model, strengthen autonomy, and enhance the effectiveness of its urban governance in the years ahead.