Featured Good Idea
Madrid, Spain
On the Front Lines of Integration
Creating confidence in community policing through consultation and local recruitment
Big cities, small cities, new gateway cities, open, inclusive cities or older rustbelt cities… Whatever their size or history, successful cities are led by innovative, forward-looking local governments that know how to use the authority and instruments of public office to serve the best interests of all, including new immigrants.
Spotlight on municipal leadership – We want to share good ideas about what local governments can do to build inclusive, resilient communities and accelerate the integration of urban newcomers.
- Discover good practices in the delivery of core city services, HR management, active citizenship and inclusion, local economic development and more. Anchored in local policy and endorsed by strong leadership, successful cities are putting good ideas in integration to work!
- Call for Submissions. We want to know more about how local governments promote immigrant success and are looking for outstanding examples of city leadership on immigrant integration. Thank you! The Call for Submissions is now closed.
-
Aachen, Germany
Relying on Immigrant Networks: Business Network Aachen
The city establishes local immigrant network to develop international economic opportunities
-
Antwerp, Belgium
Minding Minority Interests at City Hall
A city council invites a federation of minority groups to improve community relations
-
Auckland, New Zealand
Twin Streams Project: Common Ground for Environmental Sustainability
Working together for healthy streams and strong communities: creating a sustainable future.
-
Badalona, Spain
Making Space for a Sikh Parade
A cultural street procession creates a common space for good neighbours
-
-
Barcelona, Spain
From Neighbours to Citizens: the Barcelona Interculturality Plan
A roadmap to the intercultural city based on common values, civic participation and everyday interactions.
-
Barcelona, Spain
Fighting Fiction with Facts: the BCN Anti-Rumour Campaign
City council enlists community agents to dispel myths about immigrants and fight discrimination with facts and good humour.
-
Barcelona, Spain
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Immigrants
What's good for business is good for new immigrants and entrepreneurs
-
Boston, United States
Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians
An agency dedicated to helping the city’s newcomers connect with city government services
-
Boston, United States
From Boston’s Back Streets to Mainstream Success
Immigrant-owned businesses are fueling urban economies
-
Calgary, Canada
Calgary’s Employment Forums Go Face-to-Face
Bringing the city's hiring managers face-to-face with immigrant job-seekers
-
Cardiff, Wales
Language from the Law: The Cardiff E.S.O.L. Police Project
Police build trust through language and skill training programs delivered to new immigrants
-
Chicago, United States
Partnering for Success: Investing in City Governments
Supporting partnerships between local government and charitable foundations for sustainable community development.
-
-
Dublin, Ireland
Did You Know You Can Vote? Cities and Democracy at Work
A city framework for integration makes voting rights the key to immigrant empowerment
-
Duisburg, Germany
The Miracle of Marxloh: Bringing A Community Together Around A New Mosque
Participatory planning means social inclusion for all residents and cause for celebration for the community at large
-
Fort Wayne, United States
Gateway to Little Burma
New gateway cities make newcomer communities count -and be counted.
-
Frankfurt, Germany
Diversity Moves Frankfurt
Hitting the virtual highway for a public consultation on integration
-
Hamburg, Germany
We are Hamburg! Won’t you join us?
An innovative marketing campaign recruits diversity into local government while promoting inclusion across the city.
-
-
Helsinki, Finland
Immigrant Businesses get a Helping Hand
Supporting immigrant entrepreneurs before problems arise.
-
Leeds, United Kingdom
Improving Housing, Empowering Communities: Incorporating Multiculturalism Into Urban Planning
A local housing strategy uses a multi-stakeholder, participatory approach and helps set a strategic community agenda for local government
-
London, United Kingdom
Mapping Community Cohesion in Waltham Forest
Community engagement is a council’s strategy to deliver social cohesion
-
London, United Kingdom
Team London and the Mayor’s Mentoring Scheme
Building city-wide voluntary networks to improve social problems
-
London, United Kingdom
The London Living Wage Campaign
City of London signs on to successful community campaign to improve city wages and monitor employment practices
-
Madrid, Spain
From Public Space to Common Ground
A public space revitalization program is designed to bring intercultural communities together
-
Madrid, Spain
On the Front Lines of Integration
Creating confidence in community policing through consultation and local recruitment
-
Malmö, Sweden
Taking the Swedish National Diversity Plan to School
Exemplary implementation of the National Diversity Plan in Sweden - Integration through education
-
Montreal, Canada
A Charter of Rights for Urban Citizens
A Charter of Rights and Responsibilities comes to Montréal
-
New Haven, United States
Urban Citizens: Municipal Identification Cards (ID) For Inclusive And Safe Communities
Proactive city government takes the lead nationally on recognizing the interests of all city residents
-
New York City, United States
Staying in Touch: The Library Responds To A Changing Community
Tracking community demographics helps a city library change with the times.
-
Newport News, United States
Police Take Community Outreach to City Hall
Community policing transforms crime reduction into a city-wide commitment to quality service delivery and community trust.
-
-
-
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Cities of Sanctuary, Communities of Welcome
An official city policy to welcome those in need builds a community supportive of refugees and new immigrants.
-
Stuttgart, Germany
The Stuttgart Pact For Integration: the Power of Planning
Urban leadership creates an inclusive integration strategy for full community participation.
-
![Tenerife [JELMD2011] Grupo Codesarrollo 13102011 03](http://citiesofmigration.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Tenerife-JELMD2011-Grupo-Codesarrollo-13102011-031-150x150.jpg "Tenerife [JELMD2011] Grupo Codesarrollo 13102011 03")
Tenerife, Spain
Together in the same direction
A network of community groups and associations builds trust and confidence in the city’s integration agenda
-
The Hague, Netherlands
City Mondial: Looking Forward from the Past
Using a multicultural history to support local business development and tourism strategies
-
Toronto, Canada
Integration Through Education: Toronto’s Second Generation Makes the Grade
Global recognition for equal opportunities in education and successful academic outcomes for all kids
-
Turin, Italy
Porta Palazzo and the Balon Flea Market
Participatory planning leads to market success and integrated neighbourhoods
-
Vienna , Austria
Talking Business in your Mother Tongue
One stop shop for immigrant entrepreneurs offers business counselling in many languages.
-
Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand Police finds Engagement with Migrant Communities
Handbook to religious diversity helps police improve relations with minority groups
-
Zurich, Switzerland
Putting Quality into Multi-Ethnic Schools (QUIMS)
A program for quality assurance in multi-ethnic schools builds academic success and cohesive communities
-
Vienna , Austria
Talking Business in your Mother Tongue
One stop shop for immigrant entrepreneurs offers business counselling in many languages.
-
Antwerp, Belgium
Minding Minority Interests at City Hall
A city council invites a federation of minority groups to improve community relations
-
Calgary, Canada
Calgary’s Employment Forums Go Face-to-Face
Bringing the city's hiring managers face-to-face with immigrant job-seekers
-
-
Montreal, Canada
A Charter of Rights for Urban Citizens
A Charter of Rights and Responsibilities comes to Montréal
-
Toronto, Canada
Integration Through Education: Toronto’s Second Generation Makes the Grade
Global recognition for equal opportunities in education and successful academic outcomes for all kids
-
-
Helsinki, Finland
Immigrant Businesses get a Helping Hand
Supporting immigrant entrepreneurs before problems arise.
-
Frankfurt, Germany
Diversity Moves Frankfurt
Hitting the virtual highway for a public consultation on integration
-
Aachen, Germany
Relying on Immigrant Networks: Business Network Aachen
The city establishes local immigrant network to develop international economic opportunities
-
Hamburg, Germany
We are Hamburg! Won’t you join us?
An innovative marketing campaign recruits diversity into local government while promoting inclusion across the city.
-
-
Stuttgart, Germany
The Stuttgart Pact For Integration: the Power of Planning
Urban leadership creates an inclusive integration strategy for full community participation.
-
Duisburg, Germany
The Miracle of Marxloh: Bringing A Community Together Around A New Mosque
Participatory planning means social inclusion for all residents and cause for celebration for the community at large
-
Dublin, Ireland
Did You Know You Can Vote? Cities and Democracy at Work
A city framework for integration makes voting rights the key to immigrant empowerment
-
Turin, Italy
Porta Palazzo and the Balon Flea Market
Participatory planning leads to market success and integrated neighbourhoods
-
The Hague, Netherlands
City Mondial: Looking Forward from the Past
Using a multicultural history to support local business development and tourism strategies
-
Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand Police finds Engagement with Migrant Communities
Handbook to religious diversity helps police improve relations with minority groups
-
Auckland, New Zealand
Twin Streams Project: Common Ground for Environmental Sustainability
Working together for healthy streams and strong communities: creating a sustainable future.
-
-
-
Badalona, Spain
Making Space for a Sikh Parade
A cultural street procession creates a common space for good neighbours
-
Madrid, Spain
From Public Space to Common Ground
A public space revitalization program is designed to bring intercultural communities together
-
Barcelona, Spain
From Neighbours to Citizens: the Barcelona Interculturality Plan
A roadmap to the intercultural city based on common values, civic participation and everyday interactions.
-
Tenerife, Spain
Together in the same direction
A network of community groups and associations builds trust and confidence in the city’s integration agenda
-
Barcelona, Spain
Fighting Fiction with Facts: the BCN Anti-Rumour Campaign
City council enlists community agents to dispel myths about immigrants and fight discrimination with facts and good humour.
-
Madrid, Spain
On the Front Lines of Integration
Creating confidence in community policing through consultation and local recruitment
-
Barcelona, Spain
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Immigrants
What's good for business is good for new immigrants and entrepreneurs
-
Malmö, Sweden
Taking the Swedish National Diversity Plan to School
Exemplary implementation of the National Diversity Plan in Sweden - Integration through education
-
Zurich, Switzerland
Putting Quality into Multi-Ethnic Schools (QUIMS)
A program for quality assurance in multi-ethnic schools builds academic success and cohesive communities
-
London, United Kingdom
Mapping Community Cohesion in Waltham Forest
Community engagement is a council’s strategy to deliver social cohesion
-
London, United Kingdom
Team London and the Mayor’s Mentoring Scheme
Building city-wide voluntary networks to improve social problems
-
Leeds, United Kingdom
Improving Housing, Empowering Communities: Incorporating Multiculturalism Into Urban Planning
A local housing strategy uses a multi-stakeholder, participatory approach and helps set a strategic community agenda for local government
-
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Cities of Sanctuary, Communities of Welcome
An official city policy to welcome those in need builds a community supportive of refugees and new immigrants.
-
London, United Kingdom
The London Living Wage Campaign
City of London signs on to successful community campaign to improve city wages and monitor employment practices
-
Boston, United States
Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians
An agency dedicated to helping the city’s newcomers connect with city government services
-
Newport News, United States
Police Take Community Outreach to City Hall
Community policing transforms crime reduction into a city-wide commitment to quality service delivery and community trust.
-
Boston, United States
From Boston’s Back Streets to Mainstream Success
Immigrant-owned businesses are fueling urban economies
-
New York City, United States
Staying in Touch: The Library Responds To A Changing Community
Tracking community demographics helps a city library change with the times.
-
Chicago, United States
Partnering for Success: Investing in City Governments
Supporting partnerships between local government and charitable foundations for sustainable community development.
-
Fort Wayne, United States
Gateway to Little Burma
New gateway cities make newcomer communities count -and be counted.
-
New Haven, United States
Urban Citizens: Municipal Identification Cards (ID) For Inclusive And Safe Communities
Proactive city government takes the lead nationally on recognizing the interests of all city residents
-
Cardiff, Wales
Language from the Law: The Cardiff E.S.O.L. Police Project
Police build trust through language and skill training programs delivered to new immigrants
- Urban policy and governance (integration, inclusion, diversity, urban citizenship, community cohesion)
- Urban planning, including land use, zoning, neighbourhood renewal and public space.
- Infrastructure, including transportation and environment
- Living together, including intercultural dialogue, equality, race relations, non-discrimination policies.
- Settlement and social services, including services for family and youth services, older people, disabilities
- Housing; Employment services; Health services
- Education and language learning.
- Emergency services, including police
- Arts, sports, parks and recreation, including libraries and other community services.
- Access to services, including language services and training
- Human resource management– including hiring, recruitment and retention; diversity management
- Procurement
- Local economic development, including Public/private partnerships
- City branding
- Business support, including Entrepreneurship
- Civic engagement, including consultative bodies and community representation on agencies, boards and commissions
- Voting
- Citizenship training
- Monitoring
Municipal Theme Index
Local authorities exercise authority across a wide field of action. Use the municipal theme index to find good municipal practices on a specific topic or area:
Employers, and buyers of goods and services:
Mayors on Migration
previous-
“We have strived to be a place that welcomes foreign-born residents to participate fully in civic life, recognizing that our city’s ethnic and cultural diversity is a key element to strong and growing neighborhoods.”
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Baltimore, US
-
“There is a common understanding that everybody living in Stuttgart is a Stuttgarter. We do not have foreigners, we have citizens.”
Lord Mayor Wolfgang Schuster Stuttgart, Germany
-
“Diversity has really lifted London. All the surveys we do of Londoners’ attitudes show us that they regard our diversity as one of London’s most important qualities.”
Deputy Mayor Richard Barnes London, UK
-
“The secret of Frankfurt is open-mindedness, diversity and tolerance – in every respect.”
Former Mayor Petra Roth Frankfurt, Germany
-
“I have a vision for Auckland of making it the world’s most liveable city, and our migrants are a vital part of that.”
Mayor Len Brown Auckland, New Zealand
-
“The future of the world does not lie in villages. Cities – they’re the single most brilliant invention of our species.”
Mayor Boris Johnson London, UK
-
“Cities attract people and talents from all different places. It is the spirited process of immigration and integration that makes great cities thrive.”
Mayor Olaf Scholz Hamburg, Germany
Recent Good Ideas
Aachen, Germany
New
Relying on Immigrant Networks: Business Network Aachen
City of Aachen, Department of Economic Development / European Affairs
Montreal, Canada
A Charter of Rights for Urban Citizens
City of Montreal
Toronto, Canada
Business Law for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Connect Legal
