This book explores the conditions needed to make public and private investments in healthy cities most effective. The authors argue that three conditions are essential for such investments: citizen empowerment, corporate responsibility and a coordinated improvement of urban health conditions. Using an integrated approach to health in line with the Healthy Cities philosophy of the World Health Organization, case studies in Helsinki, Liverpool, London, Udine and Vancouver are not only used to demonstrate the relevance of these conditions, but also to show how actors in these cities are trying to meet these conditions.

'This book demonstrates not just that health is everyone’s business, but how constellations of communities, governments and industry partners create new opportunities for that business. Reporting on five great world cities the authors provide a concise and convincing argument that visions and ambitions for urban health can successfully extend far beyond the traditional health care bureaucracy. Truly inspirational!' Evelyne de Leeuw, Deakin University, Australia '... the book offers its readers an intelligible package which comprehensively reviews the relevant theory, frameworks, tools and most innovative policies for developing Healthy Cities... a valuable asset to assist health planners and decision-makers to reconceptualise their thinking and guide their approach toward developing Healthy Cities and communities.' Australian Planner

Alexander Otgaar, Jeroen Klijs and Leo van den Berg all at the European Institute for Comparative Urban Research, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.