In today's world, urban management in developing countries faces complex challenges such as rapid population growth, unchecked physical development, strain on infrastructure, and financial resource limitations. Cities, as centers of economic, social, and cultural activities, play a pivotal role in sustainable development and improving quality of life. Achieving these goals necessitates capable management and active citizen participation. Citizen rights, particularly those outlined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, provide the necessary legal framework to guarantee justice, equality, freedom, and social responsibility for citizens, thereby laying the groundwork for their effective participation in city governance. Despite numerous laws, a lack of education, citizen unawareness, and implementation limitations hinder the full realization of citizen rights and reduce effective participation in urban management. Therefore, strengthening the education of citizen rights, developing local participatory institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability in urban management, reviewing laws, and enhancing social capital are essential requirements for achieving sustainable, equitable, and participatory cities.