Chongqing - During their recent visit to Chongqing, Liverpool City Region's Deputy Mayor, Mike Wharton, and Deputy CEO, Richard McGuckin, shared insights on urban governance, praising the Chinese city's efficiency and innovation.
Wharton highlighted Chongqing's seamless traffic management despite its dense population, noting the potential for Liverpool to adopt similar strategies. "City management is about moving people around as efficiently and effectively as possible," he said, emphasizing the need for modernized infrastructure in the UK's historic cities.
McGuckin stressed the importance of connecting residents to opportunities through transport and digital solutions. He expressed interest in China-UK collaboration to attract investment and talent, citing Liverpool's cultural vibrancy as a draw. Both officials admired Chongqing's blend of high-rises and green spaces, as well as its dynamic urban energy.
Addressing challenges like land-use conflicts, Wharton advocated for future-focused planning, while McGuckin pointed to Liverpool's dockland regeneration as a model for sustainable growth. They agreed on leveraging AI and data-sharing to enhance city management, with McGuckin underscoring the role of culture in uniting communities.
"City management is all about people," Wharton concluded, a sentiment echoed by McGuckin: "I think if you look after people, and you can’t go far off."