Public Policy in Cities

Available for on-campus & remote (online) learning. Students participate in interactive, real-time classes. 2026 class dates: Nov 10, 13, 17 and 20 With most of the world’s population now living in cities, urban areas are where many of today’s biggest challenges—from climate change to inequality—converge. To tackle these issues, policymakers need to understand the demographic and economic forces driving urbanisation and the resulting social and environmental impacts. Equally important is the ability to collaborate with communities, political leaders, and organisations across sectors to guide decision-making on complex urban issues in a way that builds resilient communities and cities. This requires integrated thinking when it comes to public policymaking in cities, balancing economic development with social policy priorities and environmental sustainability. This course is tailored for individuals interested in building understanding about complex urban challenges and policymaking in cities that can foster equitable and sustainable development. It covers key urbanisation challenges in Australian and international cities, from Asia to Latin America. It draws on principles of equity and sustainability to explore different ways to analyse these issues. Students will engage with analytical techniques to study urban problems and commence exploring solutions, focusing on key stakeholders and scenario development. Topics include urban renewal, informal settlement upgrading, large-scale infrastructure planning, and river basin management, emphasising the boundary-spanning, engaged and collaborative work needed from policymakers to address multifaceted urban issues.