Book excerpt: This book is about the management of cities amid the major challenges to fast growing cities as well as the struggling ones. It discusses trends in urbanization, urban challenges, the urban management approach, theories of the state and urban management, building capacity, urban planning, local economic development, housing, urban service delivery, public utilities, social services, general urban services, and transport. The book emphasizes general principles rather than specific case studies on managing cities.The book is of interest to practitioners and students in the built environment, including mayors, urban managers, urban planners, developers, lenders, insurers, architects, engineers, project managers, and other consultants, contractors, and suppliers.