Academic studies in the fields of urban studies, the environment and local governance are gaining increasing significance, both in theoretical and practical dimensions. The constantly evolving structure of cities, the growing complexity of environmental issues, and the necessity for local governments to adapt to these transformations have led to the emergence of new research areas in academia. In this context, the book titled “Current Urban, Environmental, and Local Government Policies and Practices” adopts an interdisciplinary approach by bringing together high-quality studies conducted by various scholars. 

The first section of the book explores innovative solutions in the field of sustainable environmental policies and water management. Sibel ÇALIŞKAN ERCAN examines the fundamental challenges encountered in sustainable water management and critically analyzes the innovative approaches developed to address these issues. 

The sections focusing on urban planning and urbanization processes provide a historical and theoretical examination of Turkey’s urban planning trajectory through the lens of the East-West divide. In this regard, Eray KARA and Ece Bengi TÜFEKÇİOĞLU analyze urban planning processes in Turkey, while Yeter AVŞAR assesses the challenges of urbanization in Turkey in light of globalization, emphasizing efforts toward resilient and sustainable urban development. 

Regarding local government policies, Hilmi SÖZEN investigates municipal policies implemented for individuals with disabilities through the case study of Bağcılar Municipality. Another study on this subject, conducted by Öznur KÜÇÜKKELEPÇE and Sena ŞAHİN, offers a comprehensive assessment of the disability literature. Additionally, Şerife PEKKÜÇÜKŞEN and Vasfiye ÇELİK engage in a thorough discussion on the impact of smart city policies designed for child-friendly cities, evaluating how these technologies enhance children’s participation in urban life while ensuring their safety, development, and right to a livable environment. Alperen AKGÜL, through the example of Denizli Kent Lokantası, examines the place of city restaurants within the concept of social municipalism and their social impacts.

In the context of metropolitan areas and rural dynamics, Gamze ÇÜRÜKSULU USTA conducts a study focusing on the demographic composition of urban and rural populations in Ordu Province. Concerning the financial and institutional structures of local governments, Melih BAŞ examines the applicability of the integrated reporting model in local administrations through the case of Kadıköy Municipality. Meanwhile, Melek TOPRAK evaluates recent developments in agricultural and food strategies of local governments, using the İzmir Karşıyaka Municipality as a case study. 

This book presents a scientific perspective on contemporary policies and practices in the domains of urban studies, the environment, and local governance, enriched by contributions from experts across various academic disciplines. It is hoped that this work will serve as a valuable reference for scholars, policymakers and practitioners working in these fields. 

On this occasion, I would like to dedicate this book to my late father, İrfan ÇALIŞKAN. His perseverance, vision and unwavering support have been a source of inspiration throughout my academic journey. With deep gratitude and longing… 

Asst. Prof. Sibel ÇALIŞKAN ERCAN