In light of the growing critiques of the prevailing development models which are oriented toward either market solutions or centralizing state actions, this paper proposes a theoretical inquiry into the possibilities for fomenting more sustainable local development through the strengthening of social networks and their progressive incorporation into local political and administrative processes. Starting from a critical interpretation of the notion of social capital, the article shows the importance of strategies of institutional design capable of mobilizing social capital and guaranteeing the access of local communities to political and social power. This is followed by a discussion which, considering the social and political conditions that are specific to Brazil, weighs the possibilities and dilemmas surrounding the use of new information and communication technologies within local communities, in terms of reactivating community participation in local public administration. Lastly, the new role that local governments demand is discussed, in an attempt to explore the communitarian option for promoting sustainable development in the emerging "network society".
social capital; community networks; local politics; network society; sustainable development