Building Successful Cities: Lessons from the United Kingdom

In the 21st century’s knowledge-based economy, cities and city-regions are recognized as drivers of national prosperity. Governance challenges block cities’ success; governance solutions leverage cities’ potential and contribution. This briefing examines the United Kingdom’s experience in crafting coherent and comprehensive strategies for building successful cities. It looks at national and local solutions—developed and implemented in spite of the lack of local governance autonomy—to the challenges facing its major cities and pulls out lessons relevant to Canada. The level and quality of urban regeneration now underway in the U.K., and the optimism and confidence that accompany this regeneration, show how political and community backing can propel the urban agenda forward. Key lessons for Canada focus on developing partnerships, investing in gateway cities, recognizing the importance of local leadership and developing a national policy focus on major cities.