Date of Award
1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School
College of Science and Mathematics
Department/Program
Earth and Environmental Studies
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Amy R. Tuininga
Committee Member
Timothy Gorman
Committee Member
Angela Oberg
Committee Member
Gregory Pope
Abstract
As environmental challenges intensify globally, the role of municipalities in driving sustainable development and resource management has become more critical than ever. This dissertation explores the important role of municipal sustainability practices and interagency collaboration in advancing effective environmental management within New Jersey municipalities. Recognizing the importance of municipal actions in addressing pressing environmental challenges, this study highlights the need for innovative frameworks to support resource-constrained local governments in meeting sustainability goals. Additionally, the research emphasizes the importance of capacity building and re-fragmentation, enabling municipalities to restructure operational frameworks for greater efficiency and adaptability. Existing literature provides limited analysis on the predictive factors that influence municipal sustainability, particularly regarding the effectiveness of collaborative governance models, leaving a gap in understanding how municipalities can best align resources and strategies to improve sustainability outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to identify significant predictors of municipal sustainability and assess the potential of collaborative models, such as Shared Service Agreements (SSAs) and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), to enhance local environmental performance. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative regression analysis with qualitative case studies to assess predictors, as well as the capacity of SSAs to facilitate resource-sharing pooling among municipalities, and the role of BIDs in aligning business interests with sustainability goals to support resilient urban development. Key findings reveal that the presence of volunteer-driven sustainability groups, targeted environmental funds, and local political engagement significantly contribute to municipal sustainability outcomes. Moreover, the analysis demonstrates that municipalities leveraging SSAs experience measurable improvements in resource allocation efficiency and policy execution, suggesting that collaborative governance models can mitigate common barriers to sustainability in smaller or under-resourced communities. Capacity building efforts, such as developing institutional expertise and employing interagency collaboration, further enhance these outcomes by equipping municipalities to effectively respond to evolving challenges. The implications of this study extend to policymakers and municipal leaders, emphasizing the value of both strategic predictor identification and collaborative frameworks in fostering urban resilience. These findings support the development of targeted policies and funding initiatives that empower municipalities to prioritize sustainability efforts and maximize resource use through interagency cooperation. Future research should further examine the adaptability of these models across diverse socio-political landscapes, with a focus on optimizing sustainable urban governance at the local level.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Lisa, "Transformative Urban Governance: Integrating Sustainability, Predictive Analytics, and Interagency Collaboration" (2025). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1499.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1499
