Strategic Urban Planning & Municipal Governance: Within an Anglo-american Context

Dynamics in technological, economic and social development influence cities as e. g. rising internationalization of trade. The increasing globalization and consequently environmental challenges influence municipalities, which have to handle economic growth, urban competition and quality of living. Municipal governors position their cities within the context of urban competition and search for excellent living conditions by Strategic Urban Planning. Strategic Urban Planning is traditionally a subject to politics, urbanistic, sociology or engineering, but also Business Administration can provide a framework of useful techniques and management practices such as the strategy approach for a better understanding of strategic planning and a more efficient realization of the urban planning objectives. The implementation of strategic management tools along with citizen involvement and an inclusive approach will achieve good results. Furthermore, the Strategic Urban Planning and Municipal Governance is explained by four Anglo-American examples: Washington D. C. (USA), Charlotte, North Carolina (USA), Hamilton, Ontario (Canada) and Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada).