Policy Press City matters: Competitiveness, cohesion and urban governance

This book provides, in a single volume, a review of the findings of the largest ever programme of cities research in the UK, the Economic and Social Research Council's 'Cities: Competitiveness and Cohesion programme'. Leading experts present the findings of this wide-ranging programme organised around themes of competitiveness, social cohesion and the role of policy and governance. The book develops our understanding of key processes, issues and concepts critical to cities and urban change and examines a large body of evidence on a wide range of policy issues at the heart of current debates about the performance of cities and the prospects for urban renaissance. City matters is essential reading for all policy makers, practitioners, analysts and academics with an interest or involvement in urban issues. Review ... a storehouse of delights. There is something here to inform most observers of regeneration. Regeneration & Renewal ... illuminating and thought-provoking. There is much research presented here that warrants serious examination and assessment. Environment and Planning A City matters presents the results of the most important study programme ever conducted to examine British cities. The authors are the leading authorities in their fields, and they place their findings within a broad theoretical and analytic framework. This is essential reading for anyone concerned about the condition of urban Britain and indeed about urban processes in general. Susan S. Fainstein, Professor of Urban Planning, Columbia University, New York, USA About the Author Martin Boddy is Professor of Urban and Regional Studies and Associate Dean in the Faculty of the Built Environment at the University of the West of England, Bristol. Michael Parkinson is Director of the European Institute for Urban Affairs, Liverpool John Moores University.