The report ‘Mapping of 15-minute City Practices’ (April 2024), published under the 15-minute City Transition Pathway by the European Partnership Driving Urban Transitions to a Sustainable Future (DUT), explores the 15-minute City (15mC) concept. It provides insights into the implementation of this human-centric urban planning framework across 94 cities globally, with 58 in Europe. The report combines mapping, case studies, and typologies to highlight diverse approaches to implementing the 15mC concept, from transforming public spaces and enhancing mobility to fostering community engagement. By addressing challenges like governance gaps and logistical barriers, it offers actionable strategies for achieving equitable urban transitions that benefit all residents.

Key findings from the report:

1. Global and European leadership in 15mC practices: The report identifies 94 cities implementing 15mC strategies, with European cities such as Paris, Barcelona, and Milan emerging as pioneers. Paris’ Ville de Quart d’Heure introduces multipurpose buildings, while Barcelona’s Superblocks repurpose road space for pedestrians and green areas.
2. Innovative approaches to urban mobility: Sustainable urban mobility practices like cycling infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and mobility hubs are transforming urban landscapes. Examples include Hamburg’s cargo-bike delivery zones and Melbourne’s participatory planning to improve walkability.
3. Decentralisation and community engagement: Cities such as Lisbon and Bologna exemplify the power of localisation. Lisbon’s ‘Há Vida No Meu Bairro’ initiative engages residents in urban and neighbourhood planning, while Bologna’s proximity agents foster community collaboration in service design and governance.
4. Adoption and typologies: Based on diversity, scope, and number of 15mC practices, cities are categorised into five types - innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and aspiring newcomers. Innovators like Paris and Melbourne demonstrate comprehensive, scalable strategies, inspiring others to follow suit.
5. Deep dives into case studies: Six European cities Paris, Lisbon, Bologna, Vienna, Edinburgh, and Ghent offer insights into adapting the 15mC concept to unique local contexts. Strategies include decentralised services, mixed-use developments, and participatory budgets.
6. Barriers to implementation: Challenges include resistance to road space reallocation, logistical issues in urban delivery, and governance gaps between cities and surrounding areas. Overcoming these barriers requires integrated approaches and innovative frameworks.

The report highlights the transformative potential of the 15-minute City concept in fostering sustainable, equitable, and liveable urban spaces. By aligning urban planning with the principles of the proximity economy, it provides a pathway for addressing global challenges like climate change and social inequality while building resilient local communities. Lessons from pioneering cities highlight the importance of community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and data-driven monitoring to scale successful practices.

For policymakers and stakeholders, this report offers a blueprint for leveraging the 15mC framework to create inclusive cities that prioritise people, sustainability, and innovation. Despite challenges, the concept represents a significant opportunity to drive urban transitions that align with the goals of the social and proximity economy.