Conclusion

In many ways, the City Center Manager is called upon to be a jack of all trades. It is important to have an understanding of commercial interests as well as an ability to relate to the politics of working with a local authority. The ability to plan effectively and carry out those plans is equally important in order to achieve results. It is important that while identifiing the long-term goals and objectives, there is a focus on immediate wins which give some credibility to the position early on.

In addition to undertaking specific initiatives, the City Center Manager should be seen as a catalyst and initiator. There is great potential within the position to help create important links between the public, private, and voluntary sectors, and to play a pivotal role in public relations and in working with the media. If successful, it can assist the community to take a more active role in the future of the city.

There are a number of Local Authorities which are considering widening the role of City Center Manager to take on responsibility for all city center management issues, including street cleaning and refuse collection. The City of Coventry is considering the development of a city center partnership company which would be responsible for all aspects of management, development and commercial activity. In the United States, many cities have adopted what are known as Business Improvement Districts. Within these areas, properties are assessed and charged a fee, which is used for the general maintenance and upkeep of the district.

In Britain, the Association of Town center Managers (ATCM), established in 1991, creates a forum for discussion and debate on city center issues, with membership including retailers, transport and urban planning professionals, and local authority members. Through this organisation, and continuing evolution of the management of cities, the role of City Center Management will be likely to evolve over time to reflect the changing needs of cities and towns throughout the country.

Articles under this City Center Management topic have been lifted from Chapter 10- City Center Management by Kimberly Paumier, from the book: Investigating Town Planning- Changing Perspectives and Agendas, edited by Clara Greed.