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

* 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 managementThe 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.