Cooperation

The planning authority responsible for the development of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) usually takes the lead in the plan preparation process. However, it should also engage with other institutional actors as cooperation can bring value, knowledge and resources to the SUMP preparation process and plan implementation. Institutional cooperation can improve the acceptability of the SUMP, create ownership among institutional stakeholders and the public, and help to attract funding for measure implementation. Strengthening institutional cooperation can also positively influence the strategic development of transport networks and infrastructure towards sustainable mobility in the long-term.

A number of actors may be approached for SUMP cooperation, such as other departments within the local authority (e.g. environment, land use, health), municipal agencies, political bodies, neighbouring communities and higher level authorities.

Institutional cooperation is a topic to be treated with care. For example, composing a SUMP partnership is a challenge for many planning authorities. A lack of expertise in multi-stakeholder project management, incompatible timeframes and variances in transport planning approaches can add to the complexity. Accommodating conflicting views is a necessary but sensitive task to undertake. In addition, each local authority has to develop its own cooperation framework taking into account local structures and resources and respecting legal cooperation duties.

Are you curious to know more about how to work jointly with institutional partners in SUMP development? Further information can be found in the Institutional Cooperation Kit and the various SUMP knowledge resources CH4LLENGE produced!