Abstract:

The existing studies with regard to the problems of  urban policy lately showed an interesting shift in focus from urban management (Van Dijk, 2006) to urban governance (Edelenbos, 2005). This  shift can be explained by the fact that urban development takes place in complex environments, in which different stakeholders  are engaged. Researchers argue that the urban management can no longer be characterized as top-down urban planning in a command and control management mode (Healy et al., 1995).