Abstract

In this chapter, the presence of the SDGs in urban management in Chile was analyzed. Although the SDGs are not explicitly named in local and regional planning instruments, they are part of public commitments of various kinds. The complex urban governance in Chile, where municipal subordination to other state bodies is common, has resulted in a vague implementation of the SDGs. Despite this, the indicators committed as targets in the SDGs have evolved reasonably well. However, municipalities have limited responsibility for achieving most of the SDG goals, with many falling under the purview of sectoral state entities with relative disconnection from the territory. While municipalities do show voluntary interest in contributing to SDG implementation, their limited scope of attributions and national strategy relegates them to secondary spaces. Greater involvement of territorial entities and actors could contribute more effectively to the achievement of sustainable communities and cities. The recent creation of metropolitan regional governments and the democratic election of respective regional governors may signal a change in the short term, providing a dynamic stage for territorial dynamics. Additionally, Chile's ongoing constituent process envisions a scenario of further decentralization, which could have a significant impact on the forms of territorial and urban governance in the country.