Sustaining Local Involvement

In examining OECD member countries' experience of urban regeneration programmes three issues in particular stand out: whether the real focus of urban policy is the regeneration of urban economies, or the more equitable distribution of benefits; in consequence, the nature of the main policy objectives to be pursued; whether problems of urban decline can be tackled effectively by policies targeted on spatially delineated areas of disadvantage. This paper examines these issues and argues that any measures to tackle urban problems require improved co-ordination of public programmes, the promotion of sustainable development and the involvement of the local community.