A city’s journey towards circularity involves preparing and planning the circular transition, and creating an enabling environment in which different stakeholders can play a role and taking circular action on many different levels across the city. These tasks are often complex, and developing a holistic and cohesive Circular City Strategy is crucial.

This document provides an easy step-by-step guide for developing a Circular City Strategy. It looks at relevant good practices in Europe and considers common barriers and key factors for success in this process. However, there is no one-size-fits-all process for developing a Circular City Strategy. Depending on their local contexts, cities may take different approaches in realising each step of the process this document outlines. The case studies presented throughout this document aim to exemplify how different contexts might require different approaches. 

This guidance document also reflects key lessons from the Circular City Centre (C3) Circular City Advisory (CCA) programme, a dedicated, one-on-one support for cities looking to accelerate their transition to a circular economy. 

See Circular City Centre - C3.