New public governance in Saudi cities: An empirical assessment of the quality of the municipal system in Jeddah

•This study relies on qualitative analysis of public governance.•This study confirms that centralization do not produce better state consolidation.•To confront governance challenges, enduring democracy is urgently needed.

This paper explores attitudes among citizens and public sector officials in Jeddah city regarding the quality of the municipal system in accordance with aspirations for New Public Management efficacy and a public governance system that functions with efficiency, effectiveness and democratic values. This investigation reveals that, although various aspects of politico-administrative reform have altered the configuration of public management, the essential characteristics of good governance remain unassessed. The state administrative system has not been consolidated, nor has organizational effectiveness been improved. In order to confront challenges created by public sector agencies, we must identify factors that may encourage its promotion. Significant attention should be paid to establishing an appropriate institutional framework to create coherent governance legislation that supports the establishment of enduring democratic values. This should be employed to generate the general capacity and competence of public bodies, and to encourage government officials to act as catalysts to create an integrated form of governance bringing integrity and improvements in public institutions, with high quality municipal services.