Public Sector

In both North and South governments are coping with deteriorating situations in underprivileged neighbourhoods. Experience has shown that a one dimensional approach, in which each actor is limited to its own area of interest, is not effective. Governments realize the need to create more cohesion in planning and execution. This requires coordination and bringing the actors together. To achieve this it is essential to understand the situation and needs of neighbourhoods and use these as a basis of urban development plans. The task faced by governments is not an easy one, but they are progressing by trial and error.

Urban Matters offers the possibility to municipalities, provincial and national governments to exchange experiences, to discuss possible solutions and best practices, and strengthen capacities, in the area of urban development. In many cases it will concern an exchange of experiences, but sometimes support in strengthening capacities on municipal level is also required. This strengthening of capacities can be in the area of spatial and social development of neighbourhoods as a whole, or on certain questions, for example:

• How to organise waste collection?
• How to create the right climate for investors?
• How to organise the community?

We are especially interested in big cities in the Netherlands that are prepared to accept the challenge to change marginalised neighbourhoods into sustainable neighbourhoods.