ABSTRACT
Planning with care is embedded in social and economic planning and political consideration, but ultimately all of these exist and operate within the rules and constraints framed by society and how it is governed. This chapter reflects on the formal and informal institutions that provide the rules, mechanisms and processes of engagement within which society operates. Systems of leadership, consultation and decision making are channels through which care can be planned for and provided. In addition to formal government structures charged to care for society, more informal governance arrangements and networking between key societal groupings play an important role in towns and cities around the world in the provision of care. Governance systems provide a conduit to engage communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs), and the private sector in decision-making processes and in collaborative actions to promote well-being and care in the social, economic and environmental realms. These various roles and tangible actions are explored in this chapter.
