The role of comparative city policy data in assessing progress toward the urban SDG targets. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rozhenkova, Veronika; Allmang, Skye; Ly, Stephanie; Franken, Daniel; Heymann, Jody
• Is Part Of: Cities. Volume 95(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Sustainable Development Goals -- Urban SDG -- SDG 11 targets -- Urban policy -- City policy -- Policy database; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; 711.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2019.05.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2751

Abstract

Abstract: As part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, all countries have agreed to "make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable". We argue that there is a critical need for large-scale comparative city policy data that, when linked with outcome data, could be used to identify where policies are working and where they could be improved. In an assessment of the landscape of existing city policy data, based on a comprehensive scoping review, we find that existing databases are insufficient for the purposes of comparative analysis. We then describe what an "ideal" city policy database would look like, where it could be housed, and how it could be developed. Such a database could be a key tool for achieving SDG 11, the urban Sustainable Development Goal. Highlights: To achieve the urban SDG, there is a need for comparative city policy data. These data could be contained in a regularly updated comprehensive database. It should have a wide geographic scope, cover multiple topics, provide access to primary sources, and cover the SDG targets. This study found seven city policy databases; only one meets all of the criteria. A more comprehensive policy database is needed in order to achieve the SDG targets.