What shapes the cities we live in? Behind every street and service lies a web of rules, roles, and decisions. Nāgrika's Governance Series draws open the curtain on local municipal governments – those closest to citizens – revealing how they keep India’s urban life ticking and evolving.

Urban governance is a constantly evolving system where multiple actors, from city governments to informal service providers, all coordinate to keep cities running. It’s a complex web of formal and informal roles shaping how infrastructure, services, and citizen needs are managed in rapidly changing urban landscapes.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to empower city governments has never been clearer. Our op-ed on CitizenMatters highlights how local governments, being closest to citizens, are crucial in responding to crises. From Mumbai’s building lockdowns to Hyderabad’s use of self-help groups, cities worldwide have demonstrated their capability to act decisively. But as we move forward, how can we ensure cities are more equitable and resilient for all their citizens?

Despite being integral to India’s urban landscape, smaller cities often get overlooked in both academic and online knowledge resources. While big cities dominate research and Wikipedia pages, small cities remain under-represented. To bridge this gap, Nagrika launched “Nagarpedia” — a community-driven initiative encouraging citizens to enrich Wikipedia’s city pages with credible, local insights. After all, who better to contribute than those who truly know their own city?

Swachh Survekshan isn’t just about rankings; it’s about mobilising citizens for cleaner cities. As assessors quiz residents on their city’s cleanliness efforts, awareness plays a crucial role in a city's score. From waste workers educating locals to apps connecting citizens to services, every small action matters. How can one help their city rise in the ranks? It’s all about collaboration and pride in keeping one's city clean.

Cities in India have long been shaped by constitutional changes, but how much power do they really have? Our pan-India study with Praja Foundation is digging deep into the reality of urban governance, exploring the gap between what’s on paper and what’s happening on the ground. From administrative control to actual decentralisation, the study unveils surprising insights. Are our cities truly empowered, or just caught in the maze of state control?

2018 was a year where cities in India took center stage: politically, economically, and socially. From rising citizen participation to international partnerships, urban life saw transformative change. With rankings, policies, and citizen-led initiatives making waves, cities found their voices louder than ever. As cities continue to evolve, how ready are they to meet the challenges of tomorrow in and inclusive and sustainable manner?

From the Magna Carta to India’s 74th Amendment, cities have long shaped the rules of governance and democracy. But despite efforts to empower urban local bodies, is real power truly in the hands of the people? With evolving forms of citizen participation and the rise of new technologies, cities are redefining what it means to be a democratic space. What role will cities play in the future of democracy?

India's urban classification is a patchwork of definitions, from Census-based statutory and census towns to RBI's tiered system and the Ministry of Finance's city grading. This fragmented approach influences policy decisions, urban planning, and financial allocations. But are these varied hierarchies keeping pace with India’s rapid urbanization? The inconsistencies in classification continue to shape urban development and the push for a more cohesive, data-driven urban policy

Nagpur and Shimla may both be Tier-I cities, but that label tells us little about their unique challenges. India’s cities vary vastly in size, climate, and function. So urban diversity can’t be captured by population alone, but that’s how cities are often categorised. Could a better system help craft smarter policies? Rethinking city classification might just be the key to unlocking more effective urban planning.

Small cities in India are often seen as future big cities, but this mindset overlooks their unique challenges and rich heritage. Instead of imposing big-city solutions, why not let these cities thrive on their own terms? From historic cores to niche economies, small cities deserve tailored strategies that nurture their distinct identities. Could embracing local knowledge be the key to a sustainable urban future?