In the absence of metropolitan-level governance for Greater Melbourne, how might we test new models of governance that ensure better and more holistic decisions are made towards a regenerative future for the entire city and allow more people to participate in those decisions?
Early concept
Early concept
Unlike many global cities, Melbourne does not have a metropolitan level of government. The decisions that shape the future of Greater Melbourne fall between 31 metropolitan municipal Councils and a State Government ordered around departments rather than Place. If we are to make the best decisions towards a safe, just and regenerative Melbourne, we will need to build new and complementary institutions and forums that reflect Greater Melbourne as an interconnected, holistic ecosystem. This project will seek to engage Melburnians in discussions about the city and experiments in new urban governance. We seek to to raise the profile of Greater Melbourne as a political entity in its own right and to drive participatory approaches to informing and making decisions about Greater Melbourne. This project will surface collective insights and develop practical examples of whole-of-city governance, drawing on best practice examples from around the world.
Co-lead the design and delivery of forums, town halls and public lectures, together with the creation of articles, info sheets and other artifacts. Build a coalition for the funding and creation of a participatory mechanism for governance at a Greater Melbourne scale.
We have commenced discussions with Greater Melbourne Foundation and Committee for Melbourne as partners for this project. Building on previous work, including the Melbourne 2050 Summit that was initiated by City of Melbourne in mid-2025, we are developing further insights and examples.
Regen Melbourne commences the foundational visioning process for the future of our city
Regen Melbourne publishes our collective vision for the city, co-developed with more than 500 participants.
Regen Melbourne releases report on the first phase of our Participatory Melbourne work surfacing insights on active citizenship and the barriers to participating in civic life.
Regen Melbourne's action research project Participatory Melbourne evolves to become a broader exploration of new urban governance.
Joel Backwell joins the Regen Melbourne team to explore the future of urban governance
Project partners developed
Research, guides, and stories from the work underway.