An-Najah Staff

City development strategies are considered as a planning approach that pave the way to reach a better future, which is at the same time, forms the tool that will help municipal councils to take the right decisions for achieving sustainable development of their cities. The major aim of this study is to prepare a proposal for a "City Development Strategy of Nablus City" as a basis for the development planning process of the city, through the study and analysis of the current situation of the city under the concept of strategic analysis. Then, the formulation of a consensus vision for the city and strategies to achieve this vision, as well as an investment plan and a number of development projects that work, if applied, to achieve the proposed development strategies. To achieve this aim some theoretical concepts related to development planning, city development strategy and community participation in planning were reviewed. Also, the experiences of some cities in preparing their development strategies were used. The methodology of the study was based primarily on the descriptive, analytical, and deductive methods. In addition, a set of tools such as interviews with relevant key persons and experts, and the main workshop, which was an important basis for the study, was used. The results of the study showed that the city has a number of opportunities and potentials in terms of its economic importance at both the national and regional levels, as well as touristic and cultural significance. The results also pointed to the challenges and difficulties faced by the city, of which the most important are resulted from the measures and actions taken by the Israeli occupation, such as the economic blockade imposed on the city and the continuous military invasions, which resulted in a decline in the level of income and a rise in unemployment and poverty rates. The results of the study also showed developmental priorities of the city, as well as the consensus vision and the proposed development plan, which was formulated on the basis of partnership between the stakeholders and concerned bodies of the city. The study also highlighted the importance of the project of "Greater Nablus Planning" as one of the essential tools in achieving a wide range of the proposed development strategies, as well as its contribution in overcoming the problems facing the city, and upgrading the planning process from the local level to the regional level. The study recommended the need to develop the institutional and public understanding of the importance of development and strategic planning as an approach in the process of comprehensive development, in addition to strengthening the relationship between the city and its regional context through the preparation of the "Greater Nablus Planning" project. The study also emphasized the importance of promoting awareness and community participation, and activating the role of institutions, local bodies, and relevant agencies in the planning process, as well as their role in the identification of priorities and development needs of the city. Moreover, it stressed on the need to develop and build the capacity of staff in the municipality of Nablus. Also, it emphasized the establishment of a strong and effective partnership between the municipality and civil society institutions. Finally, the study recommended the need to develop the city of Nablus within regional and international attention in coordination with the related organizations and regional and international bodies, especially in exchanging experiences and provide the necessary funding to implement the plans and development projects.