ABSTRACT
There are two strands to the argument regarding the relationship between economic globalization and urban planning. First, decision-makers in cities take a view of globalization in which they see cities as competing for globally footloose investment and hence requiring particular priorities in urban policy. Second, their response results in a concentration of power in a city elite and a lack of local democracy. As argued in this report, a less deterministic approach to globalization will provide better opportunities for greater local political choice and participation, leading to a wider discussion of priorities in urban planning.
