The chapter discusses the evolving context of planning, highlighting significant changes in economic processes, political ideologies, and environmental agendas. It emphasizes the challenges faced by cities in balancing economic competitiveness, accountability, citizen participation, quality of life, and global environmental responsibilities. The series "Planning, Environment, Cities" aims to explore these changes and contribute to the debate on the future of planning. The series is targeted at students and practitioners in planning, estate management, housing, architecture, politics, public and social administration, geography, and urban studies. It includes both general texts and specialized volumes, characterized by an international approach, extensive case studies, and a focus on contemporary relevance and theory application. The chapter also introduces Patsy Healey's book "Collaborative Planning," which delves into the dynamics of urban regions and collaborative planning processes, offering insights into the integration of social theory and policy theory in spatial planning.The chapter discusses the evolving context of planning, highlighting significant changes in economic processes, political ideologies, and environmental agendas. It emphasizes the challenges faced by cities in balancing economic competitiveness, accountability, citizen participation, quality of life, and global environmental responsibilities. The series "Planning, Environment, Cities" aims to explore these changes and contribute to the debate on the future of planning. The series is targeted at students and practitioners in planning, estate management, housing, architecture, politics, public and social administration, geography, and urban studies. It includes both general texts and specialized volumes, characterized by an international approach, extensive case studies, and a focus on contemporary relevance and theory application. The chapter also introduces Patsy Healey's book "Collaborative Planning," which delves into the dynamics of urban regions and collaborative planning processes, offering insights into the integration of social theory and policy theory in spatial planning.