ABSTRACT
This chapter has dealt with the issues of governmental structure, the capacity of governments to act, and the types of actions local authorities need to take for a concerted approach to urban sustainability. Some local authorities are large
enough and sufficiently well-resourced to do all that is required to move towards sustainability. Most are not, even in the North, and even where strong collaborative relationships with other municipalities are in place and there is strong support from municipal associations. Local authorities need assistance from national governments and, in the South, also from international agencies. They need financial assistance to supplement local tax revenues and other local income. They need the kinds of legislative and other support discussed in this
chapter. Above all they need the recognition of the value, and potential value, of their work towards sustainable development.
