Objective: This study investigates the legal challenges impeding local governance in Iran from enhancing urban resilience. Despite constitutional recognition, local bodies are hampered by a centralized system, legal ambiguity, and a lack of independence. The research aims to systematically analyze these challenges and propose reform solutions to improve the relationship between central and local authorities.

Methods: The research employs a descriptive-analytical method, utilizing a review of legal documents and a comparative analysis with international experiences to dissect existing legal issues and propose reforms.

Results The findings reveal a significant gap between the ideals of participatory democracy and good governance, and Iran's reality. An institutionalist approach shows that while formal structures like councils exist, they are undermined by a weak participation culture, lack of financial and decision-making autonomy, and ineffective accountability mechanisms. This prevents the realization of true democracy and effective local governance, rendering citizen participation merely instrumental.

Conclusions: In conclusion, Iran's local governance is semi-functional and inadequate for crisis management. A multi-level reform agenda is essential, including constitutional revision, a comprehensive local governance law to ensure autonomy, and the creation of sustainable financial resources. Enhancing transparency and institutionalizing citizen participation are also critical. However, these legal and structural reforms will only succeed with a fundamental shift in political culture towards accepting responsible decentralization.