The Federal Role in Cities: Insights from the Outside

Cities around the world are increasingly being recognized as engines of national growth, productivity, and resilience. In Australia and the UK, national policies for cities have been at the heart of federal debate and decision-making in recent years. Are there lessons for Canada? This presentation drew on the causes, courses and consequences of federal city policies in the UK and Australia and highlight points of difference and potential interest to Canadian policymakers. A case is made that stronger emphasis on economic growth, integrated infrastructure planning, and local fiscal capacity will result in more productive and sustainable cities.