Circular Economy is a hot topic for local policy makers. But frontrunners confirm: from first interest to the implementation of a circular strategy is a huge step. The current cases and studies mostly focus on facts and results, but what is usually missing is the governance aspect. How can cities support circular models within their current governance? This web page acts as a first guide for policy makers who want to explore circular city governance.
Cities and urban areas are important as transition catalysts and key ecosystems for green and circular solutions. The governance of the city is a key holder of resource management and can apply new business models and many circular solutions through the services they provide.
Being the government level closest to citizens, cities can have a huge impact and can be the “trend setters” with profound impact on consumption and other behavioural habits. As such, cities have many opportunities for developing circular models and also transforming it as a systemic change into the operation of their governance.
The roll-out of a circular economy requires a total systemic change and a new form of governance. A new method of collaborating – both between the city’s various departments and its inhabitants and companies – is required in order to establish an effective circular strategy.
The overview below focusses on the various roles of the city. For example, circular economy initiatives can bring benefit at the same time from both a poverty prevention perspective and a job creation viewpoint. It also demonstrates specific actions a city can take regarding its own administration or how it can stimulate and support its residents or businesses.
The overview and infographic are designed based on interviews with European frontrunners.
The overview sheet can be downloaded freely. You can use it as a tool to show the city governance model behind a certain circular case: who took the initiative, which new partnerships were forged, and what results did this lead to?
In that way, the cases transcend the facts & figures, telling the story behind the project. Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences.