Conceptual Shift in Management of Public Facilities

Abstract

During Japan's economic growth in the 1960's, many public facilities were constructed based on future population growth. However, with the decline of economic growth and revenue shortfall from the 1970's, most public facilities could no longer be maintained. Currently, most local governments are facing the problem of aging facilities, generating issues that may cause accidents in the near future. Due to scarce funds, municipalities are planning to reduce the total size of facilities at the time of renewal. Yet this process presents many problems, such as the combination of multiple facilities, adjustments between departments in government offices, consensus building with existing users, finances, and choice of project method. In sum, the management of public facilities poses very challenging issues to most local government of Japan.