Urban entrepreneurialism: from theory to practice of strategic urban planning in the city of Belo Horizonte (2009-2019)

Abstract

Capitalist cities of today, in their globalized, informational and technological stage, assume an undeniable role in everyday lives of citizens. Based on ambitious strategic projects, cities are working to flexibilize their productive and commercial structures, attract investments, promote tourism and carry out major events, in an effort to join the networks of global economy. The cities sell themselves frantically by affirming their competitiveness and their location advantages. “Belo Horizonte's Strategic Plan 2030” (2009) aims to establish the guidelines for economic development, ensure greater attractiveness for investments, create attractive environments for tourists, promote the improvement of quality of life as means to build a positive image of the city. This deliberate act of Government, in the socioeconomic restructuring of the municipality, has redesigned its internal structures, corroborating the thesis of the city as a growth machine. The article seeks to understand the "urban entrepreneurialism", as a model of contemporary urban planning and management, and to analyze how this strategic approach is applied in the urban policies undertaken by the Government of the municipality of Belo Horizonte from 2009 to 2019.