Jane Bird examines the relationship between government and the private sector and their respective roles in developing and operating transportation infrastructure. As part of her presentation, she discusses how private sector participation in the development of the 19 km Canada Line in Vancouver inspired innovation and delivered the project on time and on budget.

This session examines the changing role of libraries in the digital age along with their role in the broader public learning continuum. In an era of fiscal austerity, are there new operating models for libraries which could prove more effective at responding to changing civic needs and rapid changes in information technology?

Around the world, there is a broad understanding of the role that strategic investments in transportation play in advancing metropolitan and national economies. In the current context, investments in roads and transit are more important than ever. We need new approaches to how these projects are conceived, funded, and delivered while, at the same time, reinvesting in existing infrastructure.

This presentation focuses on the role that parks and libraries play as contributors to broader urban policy objectives. How do libraries and parks affect and leverage the quality of life, sustainability, and economic growth in the city? In a period of fiscal austerity, what are the appropriate roles for the public sector, the private sector and the scope for partnerships in both the funding and management of these spaces?

Monica Pinhanez discusses the current tax system in Brazil, including the tax structure and regulations of federal, subnational states, and local governments. She also examined the municipal tax system and revenue collection, analyzing the role and duties of local government in the current Brazilian federal system, and the reforms that are taking place at the local level.

This presentation contrasts the institutions, law, and practices of planning in Ontario with other jurisdictions in Canada and the US. It concludes that the public's frustration with the OMB masks larger issues present in Ontario's planning regime, issues that the removal of the OMB will not address.

This talk features Bob Yaro, President of the Regional Plan Association, New York City. It is entitled Planning a Region: Infrastructure and and Imagination for North America's Largest City-Region.

The third lecture in the Big City, Big Ideas series, Larry Beasley presents on "Planning the Global City: Vancouver, Abu Dhabi and the world".

Since municipal sector spending represents almost 14% of Hungarian GDP, imbalances in municipal finance have a measurable effect at the macroeconomic level. The current government is setting new rules on local borrowing. With the rare two-thirds majority in parliament, it has the chance to introduce long awaited reforms, although they are likely to be met by intense opposition at the local level.

This Big City, Big Ideas lecture features Leslie Koch, President of The Trust for Governors Island, New York.