Handbook of Sustainable Urban Development Strategies

The "Handbook of Sustainable Urban Development Strategies" is a collaborative initiative produced by the European Commission’s Directorates-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC). Published for public access on February 25, 2021, the handbook is designed to aid local authorities, managing authorities, and various stakeholders in implementing integrated urban strategies aligned with cohesion policy. It serves as a policy learning tool, aimed at addressing the diverse needs of urban environments across Europe.

This handbook does not provide quick fixes; instead, it offers comprehensive suggestions on how to navigate key challenges faced during the strategy design and implementation processes. It is grounded in concrete examples and references existing studies and guidelines, making it a practical resource for stakeholders involved in sustainable urban development.

The handbook delineates the EU’s integrated approach to urban development through six critical building blocks: 1. Strategic Dimension: Focuses on aligning urban development strategies with long-term goals and vision. 2. Territorial Focus: Emphasizes the importance of context-specific strategies that cater to the unique needs and characteristics of different regions. 3. Governance: Discusses the need for effective governance structures that promote collaboration among stakeholders at various administrative levels. 4. Cross-Sectoral Integration: Highlights the necessity of integrating various sectors, such as housing, transportation, and environmental planning, to create cohesive urban strategies. 5. Funding and Finance: Addresses the financial aspects of implementing sustainable urban strategies, including innovative funding mechanisms. 6. Monitoring: Stresses the importance of establishing robust monitoring frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of implemented strategies.

The handbook leverages data from the STRAT-Board, a database and online tool that provides an overview of Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) strategies implemented across Europe from 2014 to 2020. This data-driven approach ensures that the guidance provided is rooted in actual practices and experiences from various European cities.

The preparation of this handbook involved active participation from policymakers, practitioners, and scholars, reflecting a collaborative effort to share knowledge and best practices in sustainable urban development. By engaging a wide range of contributors, the handbook ensures that it captures a diverse set of perspectives and experiences, making it a valuable resource for stakeholders across Europe.

The handbook is publicly available online at the URL: https://urban.jrc.ec.europa.eu/urbanstrategies/. This accessibility allows stakeholders across the EU and beyond to benefit from its insights and recommendations, fostering a shared commitment to sustainable urban development.