How can you increase diversity in urban governance?

Diversity is not only a moral value, but also a key factor for effective and inclusive urban governance. However, many cities struggle to reflect the diversity of their populations in their decision-making processes and institutions. How can you increase diversity in urban governance and ensure that different voices and perspectives are heard and represented? Here are some strategies and examples to inspire you.

1 Define diversity

The first step is to define what diversity means for your city and why it matters. Diversity can include various dimensions, such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, culture, and socio-economic status. Diversity can also refer to different types of stakeholders, such as residents, businesses, civil society, academia, and media. You need to identify the gaps and barriers that prevent some groups from participating in urban governance and the benefits and opportunities that diversity can bring for your city's vision, goals, and outcomes.

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Ali Maddahi

Doctoral Researcher @ Universitat Oberta de Catalunya | City/Urban Planning and GIS specialist
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To increase diversity in urban governance, strategies should be implemented to include underrepresented groups in decision-making. This can be achieved through policies encouraging participation in political positions, advisory boards, and urban planning committees. Initiatives like targeted recruitment, mentorship programs, and leadership training can empower individuals from diverse backgrounds. Public engagement processes should be accessible and inclusive, using multiple languages and communication channels. Establishing quotas for representation within governance structures and fostering partnerships with community organizations can help identify barriers and develop strategies.

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David Freer Land Use and Mobility

Industry PhD - Professional advisory Land use and Mobility - Evidence based leading Research. Travel patterns and Behaviours
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Life is a broad spectrum and there is never one fits all solution but avoid the dreaded compromise that leads to the lowest common denominator where no one wins

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Prabha S.

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) - Government of India
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"Diverse voices shape equitable cities. Reimagine participation, empower local champions, and conduct data-driven diversity audits. Partner with universities and NGOs for expertise. Diversity is a lived experience, not just a statistic. Let's build inclusive urban governance where every voice matters."

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Triola Browne MBA, PMP

Strategist | Corporate Development | Complex Projects | Relationship, Partnerships & Collaborations | Innovative Solutions
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Outreach and Recruitment: Actively engaging with diverse communities to encourage their involvement in local government, ensuring that recruitment reflects the urban population's diversity. Inclusive Policies: Enforcing policies and practices that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within local government, such as non-discrimination policies, diverse hiring practices, and inclusive leadership development programs. Community Engagement: Cultivating meaningful connections with diverse communities to grasp their needs, concerns, and priorities, and involving them in decision-making processes.

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2 Engage diverse communities

The second step is to engage diverse communities in meaningful and inclusive ways. This means going beyond tokenistic or one-off consultations and creating spaces and platforms for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation. You need to use different methods and tools to reach out to different groups, such as surveys, workshops, focus groups, online forums, social media, and mobile apps. You also need to ensure that the engagement process is accessible, transparent, respectful, and responsive to the needs and expectations of diverse communities.

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David Freer Land Use and Mobility

Industry PhD - Professional advisory Land use and Mobility - Evidence based leading Research. Travel patterns and Behaviours
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Engagement is as trained and learned skill that some do very well but others don’t. Avoid the oh it’s not that hard it’s just talking to people Approach. Respect the profession people and process.

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3 Empower diverse leaders

The third step is to empower diverse leaders who can advocate for and represent their communities in urban governance. This means supporting and mentoring existing and emerging leaders from underrepresented groups and providing them with the skills, resources, and networks to influence decision-making. You also need to create and promote opportunities for diverse leaders to join and lead urban governance structures, such as councils, boards, committees, and advisory groups. You also need to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion within urban governance institutions and address any biases or discrimination that may hinder diverse leadership.

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4 Learn from diverse practices

The fourth step is to learn from diverse practices that have been implemented or experimented in other cities or contexts. This means researching and benchmarking best practices and innovations that have enhanced diversity in urban governance and improved urban outcomes. You also need to evaluate and monitor the impact and effectiveness of your own diversity initiatives and share your learnings and challenges with other cities and stakeholders. You also need to adapt and improve your diversity strategies and actions based on feedback and evidence.

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5 Collaborate with diverse partners

The fifth step is to collaborate with diverse partners who can support and complement your diversity efforts. This means building and strengthening partnerships with different sectors, levels of government, and organizations that share your commitment to diversity and have relevant expertise, experience, or resources. You also need to coordinate and align your diversity objectives and activities with your partners and leverage their networks and platforms to amplify your diversity messages and actions. You also need to acknowledge and celebrate your partners' contributions and achievements.

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David Freer Land Use and Mobility

Industry PhD - Professional advisory Land use and Mobility - Evidence based leading Research. Travel patterns and Behaviours
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It’s about people and process. Allow people with real life practical experience inform and guide the process. How can you say design and plan for reduced mobility if you never experienced it

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6 Innovate with diversity

The sixth step is to innovate with diversity as a driver and enabler of urban transformation. This means embracing and harnessing the diversity of ideas, perspectives, and solutions that can address the complex and dynamic challenges and opportunities of urban governance. You also need to foster a culture of creativity and experimentation that encourages and supports diverse and cross-disciplinary teams to co-design and co-deliver urban innovations. You also need to test and scale up your innovations and measure and communicate their impact and value for your city and its diverse communities.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you increase diversity in urban governance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define diversity

2 Engage diverse communities

3 Empower diverse leaders

4 Learn from diverse practices

5 Collaborate with diverse partners

6 Innovate with diversity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Urban Planning

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How can you increase diversity in urban governance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define diversity

2 Engage diverse communities

3 Empower diverse leaders

4 Learn from diverse practices

5 Collaborate with diverse partners

6 Innovate with diversity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Urban Planning

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