DECISION MAKING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FORMULATION OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN LAND USE - TRANSPORT STRATEGIES

Abstract

This paper describes how, as part of a major EU Fifth Framework project -- PROSPECTS, a review has been conducted of the requirements of decision-makers in formulating sustainable urban land use - transport strategies. Initial discussions were held with representatives of six capital cities, to understand the structure of the decision-making process, and to produce initial specifications for a number of key issues. These issues were then tested in a questionnaire survey circulated to some 100 cities in 25 European countries; replies were received from 54 cities. This paper presents the results of this survey, and the analysis and recommendations, which underpinned it. The first section reviews decision-making processes and, in particular, distinguishes between approaches that can be characterized as vision-led, plan-led and consensus-led. It then identifies the extent to which cities are able to make decisions on their own; the extent to which they consult other bodies; the horizons to which they plan; and the principal changes in the previous decade and anticipated for the next. A final section draws some conclusions, and highlights areas in which further work is needed, particularly on the relative performance of different decision-making structures; the specification of effective indicators; the role of scenario planning; and the design of integrated strategies.