The Challenges of Urban Government

Cities and Towns are marvelous and vital instruments of exchange, vital for the development of economic systems and social organizations.

Paul M.Hohenberg(1988) The extent of Urbanization largely defines the place of exchange in economic life, and with it the extent of specialization and the role of markets, money and credit.

1.Economic Urbanization and economic growth are well correlated. National income is produced in urban areas, accounting for 55%of gross national income (GNP) in low-income countries, 73%in middle-income countries and 85%in those of high income (World Bank 1999).

2.Political Cities and municipalities are the basis of the political structure of any democratic country, (where political activity occurs; constituents elect their representatives and leaders; urban dwellers make their elected leaders accountable for the taxes collected and for the implementation of promises).

Urban dilemmas are almost always multisectoral and city management has to be studied from a variety of angles and disciplines.

Mayors’ interests (1) How global influences will affect their city and the way their city relates to the external world; How to prepare an implement a strategic plan; How to generate and administer the resources required for daily tasks and development projects;

Mayors’ interests(2) How to partner with the private sector while keeping the public interest in sight; How to favor or orient the spatial location of the city’s activities; How to reduce poverty, curb environmental problems, and use the transport infrastructure to improve the wellbeing of their constituents.

Challenges1 Globalization and Metropolitan Development;

Challenges 2 City Strategy and Governance

Challenges 3 City/ Municipal Financial Management

Challenges 4 Private-Sector Involvement in Public Service Provision

Challenges 5 Land and Real-Estate Markets

Challenges 6 Urban Poverty

Challenges 7 The Urban Environment

Challenges 8 Urban Transport and Metropolitan Development