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Cities are not just collections of roads, buildings and policies. They are living communities shaped by the aspirations, fears and decisions of their people. Yet too often, development happens to citizens instead of with them.
Designing Cities with People, Not Just for Them: The Power of Collaborative Urban Futures invites planners, engineers, policymakers and everyday citizens to reimagine how we build and transform our cities - together.
Drawing on original research - including participatory workshops, global case studies, and rigorous analysis - this book uncovers what truly makes cities inclusive, resilient and future-ready. Based on in-depth research from Digos City, Philippines, and enriched by comparative case studies, it offers a practical framework and cost-effective tools that any community can adapt. Powerful stories of co-creation from around the world illustrate key lessons applicable across diverse contexts.
For leaders who want to facilitate change rather than dictate it, and for citizens who want to reclaim their right to shape their own urban future, this book is both a guide and a call to action.
Archangelo D. Alegado, PhD, MPSA, MTSS, MEP, is an urban development practitioner, educator, and researcher dedicated to shaping cities that are inclusive, resilient, and designed with people—not just for them. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Development Administration, a culmination of years of research on collaborative foresight and participatory governance in cities, which forms the foundation of this book.
Rec E. Eguia, PhD, MPSA, MM, is a distinguished academic leader, researcher, and practitioner in development management and public administration. He is a Professor VI at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), where he has also served as Dean of the College of Development Management and Dean of Advanced Studies. Currently, he is the President of the USeP Faculty Federation and sits as a member of the Board of Regents.
Alan B. Alejandrino, PhD, MPSA, MATM, is a licensed Civil Engineer specialising in Construction Engineering and Management, with a strong focus on sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems. He is an Associate Professor I at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), where he teaches across both undergraduate and graduate programs and integrates engineering expertise with development management perspectives.
His research spans public safety and security, rural and urban development, and water management systems, addressing pressing issues of sustainable water resource use, flood risk mitigation, and climate-resilient infrastructure planning.
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I: Understanding the Landscape
Chapter 1: Why Cities Matter — And Why They Struggle
Chapter 2: The State of Digos City
Part II: The Futures We Want
Chapter 3: Looking Ahead — Scenarios for Digos in 2040
Chapter 4: What the Community Envisions
Part III: Why Participation Matters
Chapter 5: Beyond Tokenism — Meaningful Engagement
Chapter 6: Who Holds the Power?
Part IV: Keys to Transformation
Chapter 7: The Critical Success Factors
Chapter 8: Lessons from Around the World
Part V: A Framework for Action
Chapter 9: Building the Strategic Framework
Chapter 10: Tools for Planners and Practitioners Toolkit for Collaborative Urban Futures — At a Glance
Conclusion: Choosing Our City’s Future References