The guide walks the reader through the nine steps to develop a circular city strategy: define the relevant stakeholders, assess the starting point (baseline), prioritise focus areas, envision a circular future, plan for circular actions, establish governance mechanisms, define a monitoring and evaluation framework, identify ways to finance the circular economy (CE), structure and compile the strategy. Depending on the stage of the circular transition at which the city is, the reader can choose how to work with this guide: follow the process step by step or focus on specific steps that have not been covered by the city in its activities yet.
 

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 learnings 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 CE.

Having a CE strategy which is aspirational but also realistic is an important pre-condition for the development and implementation of the Circular Systemic Solution (CSS), ensuring that the local CSS is in line with the identified potential of the territory, prioritised focus areas and is supported by the key decision-makers and stakeholders.

This is a useful guide especially for cities that are at the beginning of their CE transition and would like to develop a circular city strategy that is in line with the EU and local policy objectives and other strategies. The guide promotes a holistic approach to setting up the strategy. For example, it provides the list of factors to be considered when assessing the potential of circular actions in the chosen focus areas, clearly defining what is the circularity and environmental impact, socio-economic potential and technical feasibility. Following a holistic approach is encouraged at each stage of the process and relevant tools, methodologies and case studies are suggested as tools to support and encourage a systemic approach.