1. Introduction

have posed significant challenges in achieving spatial justice, equal access to resources and services, and inclusive urban development. Despite the growing emphasis on the concept of the "inclusive city" in global urban development agendas such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals many cities continue to struggle with deep-rooted structural inequalities, especially affecting vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, women, children, immigrants, and ethnic minorities. These groups often remain excluded from urban decision-making processes due to the lack of effective mechanisms for participation.

In this context, the paradigm of participatory governance has emerged as a transformative framework for urban management, emphasizing citizen involvement, transparency, accountability, and social equity. Unlike traditional top-down models of urban governance that often rely on centralized decision-making within governmental institutions, participatory governance encourages collaborative interaction among public authorities, civil society, and the private sector. This model fosters the creation of urban spaces aligned with the diverse needs of residents and reinforces public trust and a sense of ownership.

In Iranian cities such as Zanjan, characterized by rapid population growth, physical expansion, and uneven spatial development, the absence of inclusive governance mechanisms has exacerbated urban disparities. Therefore, identifying the role and impact of participatory governance in realizing inclusive urban principles is a critical research priority. This study aims to address the following questions: What role does participatory governance play in realizing inclusive cities? And which components of participatory governance have the most significant influence on urban inclusivity?

2. Methodology

This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. In the qualitative phase, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to extract key components of participatory governance and inclusive urban development. Subsequently, these components were refined and evaluated using the fuzzy Delphi method, with input from 35 experts in urban studies, selected through purposive sampling based on their academic experience and expertise.

In the quantitative phase, structural equation modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS software was applied to analyze the causal relationships between components. The questionnaire was validated through both face validity and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the tool was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients above 0.7 for all main constructs. For convergent validity, Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) were calculated, where AVE values greater than 0.5 indicated acceptable convergent validity. The research focused on five main components of participatory governance-transparency and accountability, participation and dialogue, rule of law, justice, and efficiency and effectiveness-and three main components of inclusive cities-social, economic, and spatial inclusion.

3. Results

The fuzzy Delphi analysis revealed that out of 87 initially identified components, 42 components achieved fuzzy scores above 0.7 and were thus confirmed by the panel of experts as key variables in achieving inclusive urban development in Zanjan. These included:

Transparency and Accountability: components such as public access to decision-making processes, existence of transparent procedures, and mechanisms for feedback and evaluation were highly rated.

Participation and Dialogue: meaningful participation of vulnerable groups, structured platforms for participation, and the use of digital participatory tools were among the most influential subcomponents.

Rule of Law: legal mandates for public participation and institutionalization of citizen involvement in neighborhood councils showed strong influence.

Justice: equitable access to decision-making, support for grassroots initiatives, and empowerment of marginalized voices were identified as critical.

Efficiency and Effectiveness: ongoing citizen engagement, prioritization of real citizen needs, and cooperation among municipal authorities, civil society, and the private sector were highlighted.

4. Discussion

The findings of this research confirm that participatory governance is not merely a procedural or symbolic approach, but a substantive framework capable of addressing urban inequalities and fostering inclusive development. In the case of Zanjan, the establishment of participatory platforms, legal frameworks that support inclusive decision-making, and transparent urban governance practices can significantly contribute to the realization of inclusive city principles.

This study highlights the necessity of shifting from centralized, top-down planning toward inclusive governance structures that recognize the diverse voices and needs of all urban residents. The integration of participatory governance into urban policy and planning enhances public trust, promotes social cohesion, and ultimately leads to more equitable, sustainable, and resilient cities.

Therefore, participatory governance should be viewed as an instrumental mechanism to achieve inclusive urban development, where inclusive cities serve as the ultimate goal and participatory governance provides the strategic pathway.

5. Conclusion

Structural equation modeling confirmed the significance of these components in influencing inclusive city principles. The analysis indicated that participatory governance improves social inclusion by amplifying citizen voice and enhancing access to urban resources; enhances spatial inclusion by supporting fair distribution of services and facilities; and contributes to economic inclusion by strengthening institutional support and reducing barriers to participation.

Moreover, the results underscore the importance of system-level thinking in urban governance, where social capital, local empowerment, and institutional trust serve as mediators for achieving urban resilience and inclusive development. The positive path coefficients in the SEM model further demonstrated that as levels of transparency, participation, and justice increase, the likelihood of achieving inclusive urban outcomes also rises.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.