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Urban Projects and the Policy-Making Cycle: Indicators for Effective Governance

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  • Francesca Abastante

    (Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), Politecnico di Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy)

  • Beatrice Mecca

    (Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), Politecnico di Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

Assessing sustainability in urban projects became a key priority in the face of growing urban complexity. Therefore, how can global sustainability indicators be effectively adapted to assess urban projects at local scales? The paper proposes a framework for integrating sustainability into the decision-making process, aligning urban governance with the 2030 Agenda at the district and building levels. Governments’ growing demand for reliable monitoring, reporting, and evaluation systems underscores the urgency of data-driven tools to guide and adjust policies. In this context, indicators are essential instruments, making sustainability measurable and transparent. Anchored in the global framework of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the paper focuses on SDG 11, integrating strategic targets with operational metrics from Sustainable Assessment Tools (SATs). The research adopts a multi-method approach, combining inductive analysis—guided by the PRISMA methodology for systematic reviews—with deductive analysis based on surveys. This study represents the theoretical foundation of the GLOSSA project (GLOcal knowledge-System for the Sustainable Assessment of urban projects), aiming to provide a set of indicators for measuring and evaluating sustainable urban transformation projects. This paper highlights the need to integrate sustainability into urban decision-making, providing an operational framework for sustainable urban governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Abastante & Beatrice Mecca, 2025. "Urban Projects and the Policy-Making Cycle: Indicators for Effective Governance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6305-:d:1698187
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vinod Thomas & Namrata Chindarkar, 2019. "Economic Evaluation of Sustainable Development," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-981-13-6389-4, December.
    2. Romanika Okraszewska & Kazimierz Jamroz & Lech Michalski & Joanna Żukowska & Krzysztof Grzelec & Krystian Birr, 2019. "Analysing Ways to Achieve a New Urban Agenda-Based Sustainable Metropolitan Transport," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-21, February.
    3. Francesca Abastante & Isabella M. Lami & Marika Gaballo, 2021. "Pursuing the SDG11 Targets: The Role of the Sustainability Protocols," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-19, March.
    4. Matthew Cohen, 2017. "A Systematic Review of Urban Sustainability Assessment Literature," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-16, November.
    5. World Bank, 2024. "Innovation Policy Learning from Korea," World Bank Publications - Reports 41542, The World Bank Group.
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