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In this paper we explore the tensions in metropolitan-level governance between strategic planning and desires for political decentralisation. We do this through a threepart analysis. First, we focus on the 2008 election strategy of Boris Johnson to become Mayor of London, with its aim of gaining suburban votes and giving more autonomy to the local borough level. We then look at the impacts of this campaign on electoral results; and, finally, we look at the outcome of the Outer London Commission, which was set up by the Mayor after the election to deal with strategic issues concerning London's suburbs. We find that a strategic intent to benefit suburban residents and the decentralisation of power to the boroughs are contradictory and have led to a policy stalemate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are not only the rising actors of the knowledge-based economy—they are also among the concrete physical structures taking part in the transformation of cities. As large physical constructions, they have the potential to affect urban form. Moreover, HEIs have also begun to act as developers and their locations have become a matter of concern for local politics. In the global era, there are a number of driving forces in the restructuring and location patterns of the HEIs in cities. The nonprofit-private foundation universities (FUs) that were introduced into the Turkish higher education (HE) system in the past decade, and in particular Koç University (KU), illustrate these issues clearly. Possible relations between globalisation and HE are presented with reference to the restructuring of the HEIs. This is related to the desire to locate at the nodes of global flows. The location of the FUs in Istanbul, Turkey, and in particular of KU, is the focus. The motivation of the actors in the process is assessed in relation to the theoretical issues. The authors present the growth coalition and local opposition that were significant in the decision-making process relating to KU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of the Greater London Authority (GLA) in 2000 brought a new form of politics to London and new powers to formulate strategic policy. Through an investigation of the access of business interests in the formulation of London's strategic agenda, this article illuminates one aspect of the pressures on city government. It uses the urban regime approach as a framework for analysing the co-operation between the Mayor and business interests in shaping strategic priorities. Although there was a surrounding rhetoric that pointed towards a greater consensus-seeking approach, the business sector was very active in maintaining its privileged access. Strategic priorities were established in the GLA's first year and were then subsequently embodied in the London Plan. Our analysis is based on a detailed examination of this agenda-setting period using material from meetings, written reports and interviews with key actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of the new Greater London Authority (GLA), with effect from June 2000, has provoked considerable interest in policy and academic circles. It stands as an innovation in London governance, an experiment with the mayoral system in British politics and another example of the New Labour programme of modernisation. For all these reasons, the GLA provides an interesting focus of study. The particular focus of this paper concerns the internal dynamics of the GLA as it strove to establish its policy agenda and modus operandi. We were not so much concerned with policy outcomes in terms of documentation and its orientation, but rather the developing nature of the GLA as an emerging organisation. To this end we analyse the first year of the GLA's operation using the perspective of cultural theory, emphasising the nature of the GLA as a set of overlapping institutions. Developing Hood's and Coyle's applications of cultural theory enables us to comment on the tensions apparent within the GLA in its first year and the prospects for integration across the GLA. It also enables a reassessment of the value of such a cultural theory framework in contexts of organisational evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The position of a city in any hierarchy of world importance is not a static phenomenon. This paper takes the example of Tokyo and explores its interaction with the dramatic economic and political events in Japan over the past 20 years. Although Tokyo is widely regarded as one of the top three 'world cities', the argument is supported that it retained many national characteristics, partly based on its location in a 'developmental state'. As national fortunes have changed, so has Tokyo's relationship with its global environment. The paper focuses on strategic urban policy and the way that this reflects Tokyo's world role, as perceived by national and city governments. Three phases in approach are identified since the 1980s. Twenty years ago Japan was experiencing economic boom and this was reflected in dramatic development projects in Tokyo. The concept of 'world city' was used at this time to legitimise such development. The 1990s were viewed in Japan as 'the lost decade' with great uncertainty over policy direction as the boom collapsed and urban policy in Tokyo entered a phase of inertia. It is argued that the city is now entering a third phase in which a new competitive attitude is emerging regarding the role of Tokyo and this is leading to changes in strategic urban policy. However, this new approach is still embedded in old structures and conceptions and hence there are tensions in developing future policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editorial. Discusses issues related to the relationship between stadiums and urban renewal. Use of stadiums as an element of city marketing; Effect of stadiums on the community; Use of the public-private partnership approach to project development.

Major political and economic changes have taken place in Russia and these have impacted on the nature of development projects. This paper explores the three largest projects in Moscow that have been built or planned in recent years; the Manezh Square shopping development, the rebuilding of the Christ the Saviour Cathedral and the planned international office quarter 'Moscow City'. These projects are analysed in the context of the changing relationship between politics and the market. In the conditions of the New Russia market principles have been deployed in a particular way and the public-private relationship has taken on a distinctive form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs that London, England's Millennium Dome on the Greenwich peninsula is the home for Great Britain's most important millennium festival. It is intended to demonstrate to the world the country's creativity and ingenuity. During its construction the Dome was described as the largest development project in Europe. However, despite its importance, it has been built as an isolated project, divorced from any strategic planning context. As this article will show, this lack of contextual thinking led to considerable difficulties and lost opportunities.

Evaluates the urban planning situation in Bulgaria. Brief background of the political setting of Bulgaria in relation to urban development; Contextual requirements for a planning system; Agriculture as an important part of the Bulgarian economy; Two levels of planning prepared by the Bulgarian local authority for urban development.

Explores the developments in the governance of London, England through an examination of changes in formulating urban policies and strategies. Fragmentation of institutions; Phases in fragmentation planning; Mechanisms for centralization of the governance in London; Roles of the Government Office for London (GOL) related to urban policy planning.

Examines the implications for planning projects in the context of changes in urban governance in Europe. Influence of local politics and national planning systems on planning projects; Potential of urban growth machine and regime theories in the European context; Role and scope of urban planning.

Extracts some of the issues from the debate on new citizenship which might be of interest and relevance to planning. Definitions of citizenship; Concept of citizenship and social diversity which leads to a discussion of the pluralistic nature of society; Political participation in citizenship.