Governance Lessons from Urban Informality

Hugo Sarmiento,Chris Tilly

doi:10.17645/pag.v6i1.1169

Abstract

We locate this issue’s papers on a spectrum of radicalism. We then examine that spectrum, and the governance mechanisms described, through the lens of a significant arena of urban counter-planning: the urban informal economy. Drawing on our own research on self-organization by informal workers and settlers, as well as broader literatures, we suggest useful lessons for reinventing urban governance.

Highlights

Starting from critiques of urban governance, the five articles in this issue formulate varied alternatives
We examine that spectrum, and the governance mechanisms described, through the lens of what is arguably the largest area of urban counterplanning, bottom-up planning, or co-production of governance: the urban informal economy
Drawing on our own research on self-organization by informal workers and settlers, as well as broader literatures, we suggest useful lessons for reinventing urban governance

Summary

Introduction

Starting from critiques of urban governance, the five articles in this issue formulate varied alternatives. In this commentary, we first locate the papers on a spectrum of radicalism. We examine that spectrum, and the governance mechanisms described, through the lens of what is arguably the largest area of urban counterplanning, bottom-up planning, or co-production of governance: the urban informal economy. Drawing on our own research on self-organization by informal workers and settlers, as well as broader literatures, we suggest useful lessons for reinventing urban governance

The Radicalism Spectrum

Movements of Urban Informal Actors

Lessons for Governance

Conclusion