On the origin, meaning, and evaluation of urban governance

Abstract

The article shows that although a large literature has been produced on the concept of urban governance, its meaning remains ambiguous. The aim of the article is not to ‘prove’ that there is confusion in the concept or to rectify that confusion, but rather to consolidate, categorise, and synthesise the many meanings of urban governance. The article argues that when the concept of ‘urban governance’ is regarded as a cluster of meanings, particularly as decentralisation, entrepreneurialism, and democratisation (DED) and repositioned in a broad political-economic and socio-cultural framework, its full tenor can be grasped for future research.

Keywords:

• economic development
• urban governance
• urban management

Acknowledgements

Many thanks are due to Professor Frank Stilwell, the referees, and Editor-in-Chief Michael Jones for helpful comments on earlier drafts of this article.