SUSTAINING LOCAL INVOLVEMENT

In examining OECD member countries' experience of urban regeneration p rogrammes three issues in particular stand out: whether the real focus of urban policy is the regeneration of urban economies, or the more e quitable distribution of benefits; in consequence, the nature of the m ain policy objectives to be pursued; whether problems of urban decline can be tackled effectively by policies targeted on spatially delineat ed areas of disadvantage. This paper examines these issues and argues that any measures to tackle urban problems require improved co-ordinat ion of public programmes, the promotion of sustainable development and the involvement of the local community.