The governance of urban regeneration in Lisbon: Drivers of continuity and change

Urban regeneration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and a field of public policy with profound impacts on people and places. While the literature acknowledges global and local forces of change, there is a predominant focus on the global – specifically, on globalisation and Europeanisation – with less attention given to the intricate interplay between global and local forces. Drawing on the urban regeneration literature combined with insights from urban governance, this paper scrutinises four decades of urban regeneration in Lisbon through a systematic examination of policy documents and interviews with policymakers, planners and other civil servants. This examination of the governance of urban regeneration in Lisbon reveals, first, some of the key factors influencing change and continuity between the distinct urban governance policy phases. Second, our findings underscore the influence of local planners in the face of global forces. Situated at the “coalface” of decision-making and implementation, these individuals played an active role in shaping the direction and pace of change of urban regeneration policy. Thirdly, our findings also indicate the limitations of local planners in withstanding global forces of change. Through a comprehensive longitudinal analysis, we aim to contribute to the existing literature on urban regeneration governance by delving into the drivers, trajectories, and pace of change, as well as the dynamics surrounding resistance against change. • The governance of urban regeneration in Lisbon has undergone different phases in the last forty years. • The governance of urban regeneration is influenced by local and global forces, leading to variations in the pace of change. • Local planners can be key mediators of both the direction and pace of change. • Local planners can show both adherence and resistance to global forces of change in the governance of urban regeneration. • Local planners’ ability to withstand external forces varies based on the alignment of strategy, tools, and structures.