Urban Development and Civil Society: The Role of Communities in Sustainable Cities

FROM THE PUBLISHER

* Explores the role of civil society groups and communities in urban development* Provides a structured framework to understand their role and applies it through international case studies * Excellent course book and major contribution to planning and development debates on urban management The state is no longer seen as providing effective urban management and public-private schemes have often failed to provide for the needs of the urban poor. Throughout the world, 'bottom-up' community initiatives have been proving more successful. This book examines the role of communities and how civil society can combine with local government and the private sector in achieving sustainable urban development. It sets out a theoretical framework and applies this to case studies drawn from all over the world - from the poorest, through rapidly urbanizing and transitional economies to some of the most developed cities of the world.

SYNOPSIS

* Explores the role of civil society groups and communities in urban development
* Provides a structured framework to understand their role and applies it through international case studies
* Excellent course book and major contribution to planning and development debates on urban management The state is no longer seen as providing effective urban management and public-private schemes have often failed to provide for the needs of the urban poor. Throughout the world, 'bottom-up' community initiatives have been proving more successful. This book examines the role of communities and how civil society can combine with local government and the private sector in achieving sustainable urban development. It sets out a theoretical framework and applies this to case studies drawn from all over the world - from the poorest, through rapidly urbanizing and transitional economies to some of the most developed cities of the world.

FROM THE CRITICS

W. C. Johnson - CHOICE

The management of fast-growing cities around the world draws increasing scholarly attention. The editors, affiliated with the Centre for Environment and Human Settlements at Edinburgh, Scotland, seek to link urban development programs and environmental sustainability with citizen efforts to raise the quality of political as well as economic life in those cities. This collection of eight cases from Mozambique, Pakistan, China, Costa Rica, the Philippines, South Africa, and the UK examines means by which local social movements have promoted sustainable development. Each case is similarly organized, allowing ready comparison despite diverse contexts. The cases portray the interactions between governments, businesses, and civil society associations, in which community takes on global as well as local dimensions. A consistent theme stressed throughout is resident associations' taking active part in decision making and management. Skill development in this area is discussed. The editors open with two chapters that supply the analytical framework and close with two others that draw out the lessons learned. This coherent and valuable collection should be useful for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty in urban studies and comparative development.

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