City Management Research Articles

Migration agenda of the Kaliningrad region in the context of socio-economic development of Russia

Relevance. The socio-economic context of the importance of migration policy is represented by a wide range of areas. First of all, the intensity of migration processes significantly correlates with the state of the labor market, influencing the balance of supply and demand. The relevance of the research topic is due to the importance of migration policy, both for the socio-economic development of the state and for ensuring national security in the strategic management horizon. The importance of building an effective migration policy has a significant level of importance for modern Russia. Taking into account the author’s position, the geopolitical situation and the retrospective history of international communications make Russia the center of gravity of migration flows, which requires the establishment of high-quality control not only over their intensity, but also over their structural content.The purpose is to determine the most effective tools for improving migration policy, taking into account territorial specifics.Objectives: to clarify the theoretical and methodological aspects of the implementation of state migration policy in Russia; reveal the features, analytical indicators and organizational mechanisms for implementing migration policy in Russia, taking into account the territorial specifics of the Kaliningrad region.Methodology. The methodological “portfolio” of the study is built on the basis of the provisions of socioeconomic theories of migration process management using quantitative methods of data collection and analysis.Results. A targeted analysis was carried out, as a result of which effective tools were identified for improving migration policy in the Kaliningrad region based on the adaptation of the universal migration project in the Kaliningrad city management system, creating the prerequisites for increasing its effectiveness and achieving target indicators.Conclusion. Improving migration policy is an objective necessity in order to solve a number of socio-economic problems and minimize risks to national security.

Control or coexist with urban baboons: Exploring residents' views and values in Cape Town

AbstractHumans and wildlife increasingly share urban space, which elevates the risk of negative interactions. Management efforts conventionally focus on controlling species that are considered problematic, but polarization in affected communities' perceptions and values may pose a greater problem for management in cities where ideas about preferred human–wildlife interactions vary greatly. This study uses Q‐method to investigate what type of human‐baboon relations are desirable among residents from seven areas in Cape Town regularly visited by chacma baboons. Two main perspectives emerged, each is motivated by a distinct set of values: 'Live with Baboons' is focused on positive outcomes for nature and society, recognizing humans' responsibility to mitigate negative interactions; whereas 'Control and Manage Baboons' views nature as something that should be controlled in order to maintain a stable and safe human society. Despite differences, the two perspectives also agree in rejecting abusive language toward baboons, recognizing that contexts differ and require different solutions, and acknowledging that resolving conflict requires collaboration. This has important bearing for recent public engagement processes led by local authorities to review management strategies. Residents' values and perceptions are manifestations of different lived realities and actively engaging with them can help to nuance dichotomies in the baboon discourse.

When AIs become oracles: generative artificial intelligence, anticipatory urban governance, and the future of cities

Abstract Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is boosting anticipatory forms of governance, through which state actors seek to predict the future and strategically intervene in the present. In this context, city brains represent an emerging type of generative AI currently employed in urban governance and public policy in a growing number of cities. City brains are large-scale AIs residing in vast digital urban platforms, which manage multiple urban domains including transport, safety, health, and environmental monitoring. They use Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate visions of urban futures: visions that are in turn used by policymakers to generate new urban policies. In this paper, we advance a twofold contribution. Theoretically, we develop a critical theory of anticipatory governance in the age of generative AI. More specifically, we focus on technocratic approaches to anticipatory governance, to explain how the act of governing extends into the future by means of predictive AI technology. Our approach is critical in order to expose the dangers that the use of AI (generative AI, in particular) in urban governance poses, and to identify their causes. These dangers include the formation of a policy process that, under the influence of unintelligible LLMs, risks losing transparency and thus accountability, and the marginalization of human stakeholders (citizens, in particular) as the role of AI in the management of cities keeps growing and governance begins to turn posthuman. Empirically, we critically examine an existing city brain project under development in China and ground our critical theory in a real-life example.

Webbing 3D map from UAV images in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province

Abstract Worldwide, big cities are accelerating to fulfill the establishment of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), which is a key task towards smart city. The mainstay of SDI is to create an important foundation of data capacity to provide necessary and essential information related to the requirements of urban and smart city management. With the advantages of high accuracy, low cost, and flexibility in 3D data creation, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) images have been widely applied for the purpose of digital transformation purposes. This article aims to firstly utilize the new opportunities of using UAVs in 3D mapping and sharing 3D map data through the WebGIS platform. Secondly, processing techniques will be described after collecting the UAV images to create orthomosaics, point clouds, and Digital Surface Model (DSM). A classification of ground points was conducted to create a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) in combining with DSM to form a calibrated surface numerical model (Canopy Height Model, CHM). The images map was then digitalized coupled with the object height extracted from the CHM model and assigning attributable data to each object. The results suggested that ArcGIS Online allows users to share information widely, targeting multiple users, and to reduce the cost of GIS software investment in building thematic classes for urban infrastructure management.

Identification of the Role of Stakeholders in Sustainable City Forests, Case Study of Beringin Medan City Forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Management of forest cities becomes an essential strategy in strengthening environmental and social urban areas, particularly in facing the challenge of urbanization. This study aims to analyze stakeholders' roles, contributions, and strategies to increase synergy in the management of Medan Beringin City Forest. The MACTOR analysis method is used to understand the interaction between stakeholders and the factors influencing them. The results show that the involvement of various parties, including government regions, institutions, self-subsistent society, local community, and private sector, is essential in sustainable city management. City Government and Environment and Forestry Service's key roles in collaboration with other institutions are also seeded. Recommendation strategies can strengthen the effectiveness of management of forest cities, not only in Medan but also in other cities facing similar challenges.

Enhancing Smart City Infrastructure: An Iot-Integrated System Approach for Real-Time Urban Management

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of new information technologies on the workability, scalability, and reliability of urban installations. This study also aims to enhance smart city infrastructure by integrating various Internet of Things (IoT) systems, particularly for real-time smart city management. Methods : A complete experimental setup was established in a controlled urban environment encompassing numerous IoT technologies, such as environmental sensors, traffic management units, and public security systems, as well as data communication units. The Tensorflow framework, along with Python, was used to perform simulations and experiments. The system design was categorised into four key levels: data reception and transmission, computation, network and data analytics, and application. The proposed systems were subsequently tested in real-world environments, including zones frequently hosting urban events, to analyse key performance indicators. Findings : The results demonstrate significant improvements in urban management through IoT initiatives, including a 25% reduction in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, leading to decreased respiratory hospital admissions and enhanced air quality and health benefits. Additionally, notable advancements were observed in noise control, energy efficiency, and emergency response. Specifically, the findings recorded a 10 dB decrease in nighttime noise, a 30% reduction in energy consumption for public lighting, and a 40% faster emergency response time. These outcomes highlight the broad impact of IoT on urban sustainability and safety. Novelty : This paper introduces a novel concept focused on the design perspective of IoT-connected systems to boost smart city infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the real-time management of urban environments. Keywords: Smart Cities, IoT Technologies, Urban Infrastructure, Real ­Time Urban Management, System Architecture

City lights revolution: Next-gen optical fibre for smart cities

In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart cities, the integration of advanced technologies is crucial for ensuring safety, optimizing traffic flow, and enhancing the urban living experience. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and visible light communication (VLC) have emerged as promising solutions to address these challenges. This paper explores the integration of V2V communication and VLC at smart pedestrian crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety and traffic management in smart cities. It explores the impact of neighbouring vehicles on V2V-VLC performance and proposes novel methodologies to assess traffic density effects. Results indicate a significant chance of encountering nearby cars during rush hours, emphasizing the importance of these integrated systems for safety and mobility in urban environments. The outcomes show that the chance of running into extra cars in nearby lanes is independent of the particular lane and increases to 80% through rush hours, but falls to a lower amount than 20% through off-peak and initial morning hours.

Extended reality for citizen participation: A conceptual framework, systematic review and research agenda

This paper explores the integration of Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), into citizen participation processes, a crucial yet challenging area in urban planning and smart city management. Despite the potential of XR, the existing literature remains scattered and often lacks practical application guidelines, hindering a full understanding of XR's potential to enhance democratic engagement. Through a systematic literature review, this study consolidates existing knowledge with an e-participation theoretical lens, spanning various disciplines, to provide a cohesive analysis of XR's role and potential. The study critically examines the empirical literature and suggests a conceptual framework consisting of several analysis themes: the contextual elements driving the use of XR by stakeholders, the characteristics of the technologies used, and outcomes of the use of XR. Leveraging this framework, we outline six future research directions, emphasizing the need to longitudinally study organizational implications of XR use beyond punctual user studies, extending the use cases to other political areas beyond urban planning, and investigating the creation of new realities as channels for effective and creative participation. The conceptual framework is also translated to a canvas for practitioners for the design of future XR-enabled participation initiatives.

Optimization of green infrastructures for sustaining urban stormwater quality and quantity: An integrated resilience evaluation

Coupling natural green infrastructure with artificial gray infrastructure is considered a key solution for mitigating the risk of waterlogging and water quality problems caused by rapid urbanization. However, further research is needed to evaluate and optimize the utility of gray–green system considering multiple key factors. Here, the effects of gray–green system on both the water quality and quantity were investigated based on the Storm Water Management Model-InfoWorks ICM (SWMM-ICM) and bivariate copula functions. A resilience index that integrates reliability, bearing capacity, recovery speed, and recovery capacity was then proposed. Taking a typical catchment area in Beijing as an example, the results showed that the resilience index proposed is effective for evaluating the stormwater management of gray–green system. The integration of gray–green infrastructures improved the resilience of urban stormwater management, particularly in terms of controlling the water quality (improved by 1.0–4.0 %) rather than the water quantity (only 0.04–0.3 %). Direct confluence and average distribution strategies of gray–green system were more effective for water quality management, as resilience ranged from 0.7478 to 0.7605. To mitigate the ever-increasing water risks under climate change, the direct confluence, and average or downstream renovation strategies are hot spots for system renovation in the future. These results contribute to a better understanding of gray–green system and provide the foundation for sustainable water quality and quantity management in global cities.

Impact of Marine Shipping Emissions on Ozone Pollution During the Warm Seasons in China

AbstractAs China's land‐based anthropogenic emissions are decreasing, the impact of marine shipping emissions (MSEs) on the atmosphere, especially in coastal areas, deserves further attention. This study investigates the impact of MSEs on MDA8 ozone (O3) levels during the warm seasons of 2017 in China, considering different seasons and synoptic patterns. The results indicate that the average impact of MSEs on O3 decreases from offshore to inland, peaking at over 29.0 ppb at sea and 13.8 ppb along the coast of mainland China. Influenced by precursor emissions, meteorology and other factors, MSEs contribute differently to O3 in Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and Pearl River Delta (PRD), with contributions of 3.0, 5.2, and 4.9 ppb, respectively, and ranging from 2.7 to 7.3 ppb in 13 coastal port cities. The O3 impacts of MSEs are higher on polluted days than on clean days, especially during onshore winds. In the BTH, MSEs increase O3 by 5.5 ppb on polluted days and 3.0 ppb on clean days with northeast winds from the Bohai Sea. In the YRD, MSEs increase O3 by 9.4 ppb on polluted days and 7.3 ppb on clean days with southeast winds. MSEs significantly increase O3 levels in the PRD by 11.0 ppb on polluted days and 5.0 ppb on clean days with southeast winds. Although the emission inventories, initial and boundary conditions, etc. may introduce uncertainties, our results still provide useful information for O3 pollution management in coastal cities as a reasonable way to track mass contributions.

Regenerative tourism development as a response to crisis: harnessing practise-led approaches

The pandemic has drawn attention to the unsustainable nature of tourism, intensifying social and economic inequalities and heightening issues of urban vulnerability. As destinations reimagine their future, a holistic approach that addresses social and ecological perspectives through collaboration, stewardship and environmental ethics is required. Regenerative tourism enables destination communities to develop new ways of thinking and build the capability and capacity to work towards embedding tourism practices and ecological processes that advocate human and non-human health and wellbeing. As the tourist-historic city of York, United Kingdom emerged from the pandemic, practice-led regenerative development was evident in the city’s framework for post-Covid recovery and renewal. Semi-structured interviews with leading stakeholders identified how communities can build sustainable city ecologies through living systems thinking, evidenced through collaborative models of engagement. In York, the pandemic catalysed community stewardship and a re-orientation towards a more inclusive tourism environment. This research demonstrates how regenerative practice principles manifest in the interconnections and the networks that support the distinctive qualities and needs of York’s local communities. The study also contributes to understanding how regenerative tourism approaches support cultural revival, as evident in York. Such approaches to tourism management in historic cities highlights the transformative potential of practice-led regenerative development as a tool for addressing tourism development concerns in urban spaces.

Urban Logistics and Mobility: A Framework Proposal for Sustainable Cities

Objective: This article aims to analyze the challenges and solutions of integrating urban logistics and urban mobility, providing insights and a framework for the development of public policies, business strategies, and future research. Theoretical Framework: The harmony between logistics and urban mobility is essential for the efficient management of cities, given its direct influence on the movement of people and goods. This integration enhances infrastructure, accessibility, social inclusion, and competitiveness while reducing operational costs. With the growth of online commerce and urbanization, it is urgent to seek a fairer and more sustainable mobility model, demanding strategic and collaborative urban planning to ensure smart and efficient cities in the future. Method: The research employed a systematic literature review (SLR) with a predefined search strategy in the Scopus and Transport Research International Documentation (TRID) databases, using specific terms related to urban logistics and mobility. This resulted in the selection of 129 studies from the period 2019-2024. The framework's development involved organizing and categorizing the extracted information. Results and Discussion: The SLR revealed the need for more comprehensive technical studies to improve urban mobility, considering geographical and cultural specificities and the local impact of infrastructure works. The high population density in metropolitan areas has increased traffic and hindered goods deliveries, emphasizing the importance of urban logistics in mitigating congestion and finding sustainable solutions. The integration of urban logistics with cities' development strategies and territorial policies is essential, requiring technological innovations and integrated public policies. Research Implications: The study proposes an integrated framework for urban logistics and mobility management, which includes components of urban planning, technology and information, incentives and public policies, as well as community engagement. It also highlights the need for future research on the impacts of emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and delivery systems on urban logistics operations. Originality/Value: The article offers a unique perspective on the interdependence between urban logistics and urban mobility, providing a comprehensive analysis and proposing integrated strategies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life in modern cities.

Waste management systems in the context of sustainability

The present paper deals with waste management systems in the context of sustainability in selected municipalities. The author's team aimed to find the key waste groups according to the classification groups that have a major impact on the volume of waste and the cost of the system, thus facilitating management decision-making. In order to optimise the management of the entire waste management system from the perspective of the statutory municipality, it was first necessary to reduce the original list of 53 waste items to a significantly smaller number. With the help of waste management experts, criteria for reducing the number of waste input items were defined, resulting in a reduced statistical sample of 27 items. Each item is quantified by the amount of waste per year and the cost of the system per year. The mathematical apparatus consisted primarily of calculating average values as well as marginal slopes of waste quantity and cost. The interrelationships between waste groups were graphically recorded in perceptual maps. The individual analyses were carried out primarily for a statutory city, with secondary comparisons of the results with smaller towns and small villages. The analytical procedures verified that the catalogue of basic components of mixed municipal waste can be significantly reduced for decision-making in secondary resource management. The amount of waste selected in each group significantly impacts the cost of the whole waste management system. Of the original 15 waste groups, only three groups appear to be the main ones. The municipal waste group even has a decisive influence on both the quantity of waste and the cost of the whole system. Thanks to these findings, from the point of view of both the manager and the management of the statutory city, it is possible to focus on this core group, which contains the 13 original catalogue items.

GTDIM: Grid-based Two-stage Dynamic Incentive Mechanism for Mobile Crowd Sensing

Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS) technology, as an emerging data collection paradigm, offers distinct advantages, particularly in applications like smart city management. However, existing researches inadequately address the comprehensive solution to the problem of reliable task allocation according to the requirements such as task budget, sensory data quality, and real-time data collection, especially under varying participant engagement in MCS systems. To bridge this gap, we propose the Grid-based Two-stage Dynamic Incentive Mechanism (GTDIM). In the first stage, the Candidate Participant Set (CPS) establishment phase, participants receive compensation for collecting sensory data when a sufficient number are available. When participants are insufficient, additional rewards inspired by the grid division of sensing areas are progressively offered to attract more participants. In the subsequent stage, utilizing the established CPS, participants are selected through a greedy algorithm based on the newly devised Participant Matching Index (PMI), which integrates various participant features. Extensive simulation results reveal the impact of PMI on participant selection. Numerical findings conclusively demonstrate GTDIM’s superior performance over baseline incentive mechanisms in terms of task assignment ratio, participant payment, and especially when dealing with larger sensing tasks.

Urban security challenges in major cities, with a specific emphasis on privacy management in the metropolises

The rapid growth of urban populations, particularly in the global south, has led to significant challenges in urban security. Insufficient urban security measures can hinder the achievement of future development goals. This study explores the impact of rapid urbanization in capital cities on social, cultural, and environmental issues. The influx of individuals who are not fully integrated into the city can compromise urban security and increase vulnerability in certain groups and areas. The research aims to investigate urban privacy in relation to urban security, with a specific focus on privacy management in the capital city. The study utilizes an applied approach with a descriptive and analytical methodology. The statistical population consists of 856,565 individuals, with a sample of 383 people selected through simple random sampling. The questionnaire was validated by experts, and the reliability of different sections was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The findings highlight the influence of factors such as lack of collaboration among security experts, diverse attitudes and political views, and legal and managerial differences on urban privacy vulnerability. Many studies have focused on general urban issues or specific crimes without addressing urban security. Weak regulations, inadequate plans and budgets, and a lack of security equipment are identified as variables affecting the security of the capital city. Managerial, legal, and structural vulnerabilities contribute to insecurity, lawlessness, cultural disparities, and a lack of safety and security in Tehran. The factor with the greatest impact (16.07%) is "coalition between security professionals," while the factor with the smallest impact (6.32%) is "sufficient security for investment and safety in night travel" among the total variables.

Community garden management for resilient cities: A case study in suburban Tokyo during the COVID-19 pandemic

Numerous studies underscore the role of community gardens in sustaining food security, physical and mental health, and social networks during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to community resilience in different contexts of each country. Despite the rich history of urban gardening, Japan remains a geographical gap. This study conducted a mixed-method case study in suburban Tokyo and addresses the unique response of community gardeners to the pandemic within the Japanese context. The survey revealed that gardeners proactively established rules to navigate the crisis quickly through discussion and sustained their gardening activities. The findings also showed that their continuing activities helped the gardeners maintaining physical and mental health, and notably keeping their ikigai, sense of purpose in life in the unusual days. Thus, this study provided new evidence that community gardens may contribute to urban resilience, which indicates the significance of incorporating them into urban green space planning as a preparatory measure for future social crises.

Quantifying heterogeneous impacts of 2D/3D built environment on carbon emissions across urban functional zones: A case study in Beijing, China

Rapid urbanization has led to a significant increase in carbon emissions (CES), adversely affecting the urban ecological environment. As fundamental units in urban planning and management, urban functional zones (UFZs) exhibit similar energy consumption patterns. Previous studies on urban CES have often focused on large-scale regions, lacking research on CES differentials at the scale of UFZs. This study, using Beijing as a case study, employed multi-source geospatial data to estimate CES and analyze influencing factors at the UFZ scale. First, a multi-scale semantic segmentation network was constructed to produce UFZ map using high-resolution remote sensing images and OpenStreetMap road data. Second, a top-down approach was employed, incorporating nighttime light data to calculate the UFZ-scale CES to analyze differences in CES among various UFZs. Finally, factors influencing urban CES, including socioeconomic factors and two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) urban built environment, were analyzed using Pearson analysis and GeoDetector analysis. Results indicate that: 1) Among the 2813 UFZs in Beijing, the majority belong to residential zones (34.23 %), followed by institutional zones (20.33 %); 2) The total CES in study area amount to 4.07 × 107 tons. Commercial zones contribute significantly higher CES than other UFZs, followed by residential zones. 3) For different types of UFZs, the impact of various factors on CES differs significantly. Population density, the highest building height, base area, and average building volume are the main correlation factors. Spatial analysis of CES at the UFZ scale contributes to the management of low-carbon cities, energy allocation, and optimization of urban planning implementation.

Flooding Resiliency of Surigao del Sur, Caraga Region, Philippines Residences Through Rainwater Catchment and Storage System

Urbanised areas in Northeastern Mindanao have a problem of addressing flooding occurrences. This study primarily aimed to provide insights into how the rainwater catchment system of uptown communities and their cooperation could increase flood resiliency of downtown communities in the Surigao del Sur, Caraga Region, Philippines. This research employed quantitative analysis of the eleven (11) year (2010-2020) data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur station. The recommendable optimum rainwater storage capacities for a given number of household occupants, roof areas at run-off efficiency of 90%, and three (3) day rainfall characteristics at 36.9% averaged probability of exceedance were initially determined. Through scenario analysis, uptown communities emptying their rainwater storages before heavy downpour occurs could provide sufficient flood volume reduction and buffer time for downtown communities to prepare. The output of this research is vital in the environmental planning, management, and policies of cities and regions.

Interaction between formal and informal actors in the shadow of policymaking: Case studies of community-based urban pluvial flood risk management in Pearl River Delta cities

Policymakers increasingly integrate urban pluvial flood risk management into multiple strategies, acknowledging that local contexts and the actors involved are crucial. However, the literature on the decision-making processes of community-based pluvial flood risk management sheds little light on how local formal and informal actors relate to each other. This paper contributes to filling this research gap by exploring the interdependency between local authorities and community residents from a multilevel governance perspective. Two cases, based in Pearl River Delta Cities, are analysed to explore actors' interactions locally in the Chinese Sponge City Program, a national programme for urban pluvial flood risk management. The comparative study of the two cases leads to four conclusions. First, the Sponge City Program at the local level can be viewed as multilevel governance. Second, triggered by the goal set by the national government and the local contexts, local authorities see the benefit of locally integrating the Sponge City Program into an integrated and area-specific plan, emphasizing the importance of institutional assertiveness. Third, tensions and synergies exist in the interaction process between local authorities and residents that will have to be recognized and embraced and, where necessary, converted from constraining to enabling factors. Fourth, institutional barriers still dominate locally in the Sponge City Program because of a lack of support for cross-boundary cooperation and public participation. To span these boundaries, policymakers should be more open to changing the perspective from ‘planning for people’ to ‘planning with people’.

WATER SECURITY THROUGH CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: A CASE STUDY OF RO WATER PLANTS BY TATA POWER DDL

Water security is one of the most pressing issues in urban India especially for the poor. The purpose of this research is to examine the CSR approach to water security focusing on Tata Power DDL’s RO Water Plants in North and North-West Delhi. In this research, I follow the ethnographic method to analyze the effects of Tata Power DDL’s CSR program on JJ colonies’ access to clean drinking water for the targeted beneficiaries. Questionnaires, interviews, and observation were used to measure the social, economic and environmental impacts of the initiative. According to the result, there were changes in health, hygiene, and satisfactions of the community because of safe drinking water source. However, the following was noted as comprising the challenges that CfPTs face: technological barriers; and difficulty in engaging with the community. The study also underlines the significance of public private partnership in water security and provides an insight into how such other CSR programs could be expanded. The study offers important information about the role of CSR in supporting sustainable development and water management in large cities.