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Distributed for University of British Columbia Press

Local Governance in Transition

Toward Sustainable Canadian Communities

Explores how local governments can adapt to the challenges of the ever-changing present.

The early 2020s unleashed a perfect storm on governments worldwide. Logistical challenges never before anticipated left some communities flailing while others thrived. Epidemics, natural disasters, and economic collapses inspired innovation and creativity in resourceful civic teams.
In Local Governance in Transition, Mary Louise McAllister argues that communities wanting to thrive tomorrow must reimagine local governance today. She begins with an overview of how government evolved in Canada, then examines how interdisciplinary initiatives and policies can create sustainable cities in our future.

From coast to coast to coast, environmental change brings existential challenges for communities. Global awareness and collaboration are key to finding creative solutions for local governance and sustainability.

Local Governance in Transition examines systems thinking, environmental studies, and the mechanics of government. Through the adoption of collaborative urban planning and policymaking, and adaptive learning systems, those working in local governance can foster healthier, more resilient communities. This text is for students, leaders, civil servants, and anyone working toward sustainable cities.

344 pages | 21 halftones, 1 map, 3 figures | 8 x 10 | © 2024

Geography: Social and Political Geography

Political Science: Public Policy, Urban Politics


Reviews

"Local governance could be Canada’s ace in the hole when it comes to surviving global disruptions, and this book reveals how the synergy between ecology, geography, history, and politics can help to enable such a sustainable future."

Anthony Perl, coeditor of The Integrity Gap: Canada’s Environmental Policy and Institutions

"Local Governance in Transition does an excellent job of bringing together a range of disparate elements and themes, and discussing their roles in sustainability transitions at the local level. Given the absence of any comparable, Canadian-oriented text in this area, and the growing interest in decentralized, locally based responses to challenges like climate change, this book is very useful."

Mark S. Winfield, coauthor of Sustainable Energy Transitions in Canada: Challenges and Opportunities

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