Time and time again, we have witnessed that good leaders produce remarkable results. A mayor can make all the difference in the world if he or she fights for the right causes, is on the side of all the people, but especially those who have to live under terrible conditions, and is honest. Real, concrete progress happens in the cities because you make it happen. Good governance, including improved accountability, improved city management, and setting priorities well, is essential for the success of a city. Second, ordinary people need to actively participate in the development process.
Good leadership can really only succeed with the support of local residents.
People and businesses have had, in the past, to look out for their own needs, sometimes with mixed results. Open and transparent processes are needed to enable all stakeholders to participate in public decision making that affect them. Shaping and managing our cities must not be the domain of public planners alone, or planners working only with business interests. We all know that most of the world's housing has been built by people themselves, once they were allowed to get on with the job. There is tremendous power, and assurance of future stability, in having the support and the involvement of your communities.