Governing cities Past,present and future Gerry Stoker

What makes for a successful governing strategy Some core features of governing remain the same overtime...from Greek city states to 21st century But many may also reflect ability to react to changing times, circumstances and opportunities A future global city might need to lead with a different form of governing

But there are some fixed points for governing success Any city but especially a global city needs: Degree of political autonomy reflected in powers, resource base, social capital Degree of economic autonomy reflected in economic base, specialisation, adaptability, reseliency

Three points of change Over time beyond those fixed points governing practices might be expected to change and evolve Let’s consider three pillars: Management and administration Political style and approach Policy dynamic and perspectives

The three pillars: Past Management: Hierarchy and departmentalism Politics: Representation and elite democracy Policy: Long term planning

Strengths and weaknesses Clear lines of accountability Strong focus on task and delivery But... Prone to fragmented empire building Lack of capacity to deal with issues and citizens "in the round"

Present Holistic and and performance regulated Engaged Short term delivery

Successes and failings Ability to think and act strategically on key issues Building legitimacy But.... Contradictions created by short-termism leads to disillusionment Big issues raised but not resolved:overload Limits to government by numbers

Future Streamlined: Internet driven and with hikes in productivity Demand for social productivity: co-production Learning organisation with strong policy cycle and feedback loops rather than rigidly long or short term in approach

Challenges and pitfalls Limits and fragmentation caused by social media IT project failure Political path to social productivity not clear Learning and some institutional practices do not mix

Implications for Canberra on its 100th anniversary Structural political and economic autonomy remain key Audit where you are Meet new challenges with new management, diferent demands on citizens and politics and a flexible policy process Do so with eyes open about the challenges involved