ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the Danish experiences with urban planning and politics as part of the welfare state project that has been in place since the 1960s. In the same period, the social dimension became more integrated in the urban programmes in order to prevent social exclusion and fragmentation. Urban planning formed the physical side of the welfare state and is believed to have great influence on human behaviour in the new neighbourhoods. The first elements of a formalized urban governance were thus introduced in this legislation. The new Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs had to accept this situation for the time being; nonetheless, the formulation of an Urban Policy has been given high priority in the ministry. Urban policy, governance, and planning are affected by the fact that traditional urban planning has remained with the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
