This book investigates the complex challenge of defining, measuring, and managing quality within the urban planning process. Matthew Carmona, a professor of Planning and Urban Design, utilizes a combination of empirical research and comparative international case studies to construct a robust analytical framework. The text argues that effective planning performance requires a synthesis of governance structures, measurable outcomes, and local government accountability to ensure sustainable urban development.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of administrative performance and urban design. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a comprehensive reference for planning professionals and policy researchers.