Towards healthy cities

The development of healthy cities is a great challenge, not only for governments and health authorities, but also for other institutions, businesses and citizens. Public and private actors share a collective interest in a healthy urban environment. In view of ongoing urbanisation cities across the globe face the issue of how to make sure that the agglomeration advantages outweigh the agglomeration disadvantages. In order to remain competitive metropolitan areas need to develop in a healthy and more sustainable manner, reducing health inequalities and using the skills and competences of citizens to the full. The present book provides insight in the conditions under which investments in healthy cities are expected to be effective. Our analysis is based on an international comparative study which was carried out by the European Institute of Comparative Urban Research (Erasmus University Rotterdam) on behalf of five Rotterdam-based organisations united in the platform ‘Partners for Healthy Cities’: construction and infrastructure company Dura Vermeer, housing corporation Com●wonen, healthcare provider de Stromen Opmaat Groep, school for intermediate vocational education Albeda College and the regional healthcare organisation Rotterdam Rijnmond GGD.