How are decisions made about investment in infrastructure, critical land uses and major policy directions?

This course examines the roles of politicians, governments and public servants at levels of government, and how they interact with investors, developers, interest groups and the wider community in a range of Australian and international settings. It will explore the motivations, expectations and rights of key players and the methods used to construct an argument, apply evidence and direct influence to affect how a city is shaped and performs. The limits set by politics, economics, culture and law will be examined, along with the norms of good governance and decision-making. The value of long term strategy as well as the need to retain flexibility in a changing environment and political landscape will feature in the course.