Local Government ExplainedLocal growth: Case studies and resources for local government
Beatrice Makeig
Curated case studies of innovative ways local governments are driving economic, social, and infrastructural development in their local areas. Examples this week come from Spain, Canada and the UK.
Curated case studies of innovative ways local governments are driving economic, social, and infrastructural development in their local areas. Examples this week come from Spain, Canada and the UK.
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Policy innovation and inspiration examples from the local government sector
UK: Manchester’s political, cultural and commercial growth spurt
Manchester’s unique blend of vibrant city life, proximity to nature and flexible working options, coupled with sustainable policies, has set the stage for a political, cultural and commercial growth spurt. Its position as a rapidly growing tech city, hosting the regional headquarters for Amazon.com and Klarna, has seen not only economic growth but increased employment in the city. Despite its growing economy, the city has maintained a strong sense of community and culture through Andy Burnham’s (Mayor of Manchester City) passion for localism and ambition to become a 15-minute city. In a post-pandemic world, there is a growing trend of people moving to Manchester to escape the hustle and bustle of London life while still living in a growing city that provides the same career opportunities but with a greater personal life balance.
Bloomberg.com
Spain: Europes most ambitious sustainable urban regeneration milestone
Launching in 2021, Madrid Nuevo Norte is one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe. The project is intended to create a 100% sustainable city prioritising walkability, cycling and public transport. Spanning 2.3 million square meters of repurposed land, the project sets a new standard for sustainable urban planning practices. Madrid Nuevo Norte combines dense, compact spaces with a focus on people-centred design, public areas and mixed-use development. This innovative approach integrates housing, offices, retail spaces, green areas and public facilities, which will enhance the city’s livability, work environment, and recreational opportunities. While preserving Madrid’s unique charm, Madrid Nuevo Norte is focused on embracing an innovative and cosmopolitan spirit, redefining urban living for generations to come.
Madrid Nuevo Norte
UK: Stockton-on-Tees’ radical high street revival becomes a case study for community-centred growth
In response to failing retail businesses post Covid-19, Stockton-on-Tees embarked on a radical approach to revitalise its shopping centre and high street. The town invested in repurposing and restoration, turning a declining town centre into a thriving community hub with events, independent enterprise, green space and conviviality. This plan prioritised social infrastructure to stimulate economic and social growth in the area and invested in “the stuff that allows people to flourish and brings them together”, as Professor John Tomaney of University College London says. Stockton-on-Tees’ innovative strategy and success is a potential solution to the challenges faced by urban centres across the world- highlighting the importance of community-centred spaces and planning.
The Guardian
Canada: Cities across Canada are biting into Doughnut Economics
The Canadian cities, Nanaimo and Victoria, are utilising Doughnut Economics (DE) to address interconnected social and environmental challenges. DE is a model which aims to balance essential human needs and ecological boundaries, ensuring both social well-being and environmental sustainability. In 2020, Nanaimo successfully implemented a city-led approach, integrating a DE framework into community planning and local targets, including evaluating land-use planning scenarios and informing policies in procurement, sustainability and local economics. In Victoria, a group of local NGOs are exploring how DE and the ‘One Planet’ rule can be used as a public engagement tool to advance sustainability locally. The objective in Victoria is to foster community engagement and establish participatory decision making by the community towards a DE framework for the city.
Vibrant Communities
Resources on promoting local growth
Briefing: Big Local and Community Economic Development
This briefing presents in-depth case studies and thumbnail sketches of successful economic development initiatives by Big Locals. Collectively, these examples demonstrate the huge potential of locally-led economic development strategies; where communities are given the power and resources to improve their local economies and build positive economic, social and environmental change in the area.
Report: The role of Australian local government in economic development: Building international engagement capacity
This report offers insights into local government sister city relationships and its evolving role in local economic development. Focusing on Australia-China local government sister city relationships, which are leveraged to drive local economic development by enhancing governmental capabilities and supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises in international engagement, the report highlights the potential for future growth opportunities amidst ongoing experimentation and challenges.
Report: Local Economic Development in South African Municipalities: Prospects and Challenges
This report explores local economic development in South African municipalities, analysing its relevance, contributions, and challenges. Drawing from secondary data sources, the report offers insights into the role of local economic development in promoting local growth, while providing recommendations to address existing challenges and enhance municipal systems.
Report: The role of local government in local and regional economic development
Despite a steady stream of reforms, inquiries and initiatives, a lack of consensus on local government’s role in economic development persists, hindering growth objectives and broader socioeconomic outcomes. This research report seeks to clarify and enhance our understanding of local and regional councils’ diverse roles and responsibilities in Australia’s economic development, particularly considering the unclear legislative context surrounding their duties.
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