Urban Governance

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The study of urban governance helps to explain how cities work. Urban governance looks at the Constitution, roles, responsibilities and resources of different levels of government, intergovernmental relations, municipal finance, models for financing and delivering large infrastructure projects, city negotiations with private sector and civil society - ultimately a city's ability to get things done. The context for governance has a significant influence on the substance and processes of planning and decision-making within cities, and should be informed by social outcomes and the who wins/who loses equation inherent in planning decisions. The teaching of the subject will focus on Victoria and Melbourne as well as international comparative case studies, and will also include case studies of private sector involvement in service delivery and the participation of, and negotiation with, community and non-government organisations in planning and other decision-making processes.

On completion of the subject, students should:

• know the constitutional roles and responsibilities of different levels of government, focusing on cities;
• understand the role of cities (and in Australia the State), the private sector and civil society in delivering and financing infrastructure and services;
• understand how municipalities are financed;
• understand the nexus between the public and private sectors and civil society in planning for and managing cities, and related contestation and decision‐making processes;
• have insight into comparative governance contexts through case studies from other countries.

1. Group research + presentation, 1000 word equivalent per student (total), 20%, due last week of semester
2. Essay 1 abstract, 250 words, hurdle, due week 4
3. Essay 1, 2000 words 40%, due in week 6 of semester
4. Essay 2 abstract, 250 words, hurdle, due in week 10
5. Essay 2, 2000 words, 40% due two weeks after the last class

None specified

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to analyse decision‐making processes within cities
• Ability to link planning practices and processes to different governance contexts
• Ability to engage with the private sector and civil society during the planning process