Embedding urban food policies into commons thinking: A framework analysis of policies and initiatives

Cities have been at the forefront of transforming the urban food system to address the pressing challenge of providing “good food for all.” In light of the ongoing global urbanization trends, which continue despite major global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the progressive dismantling of policy frameworks supporting sustainable food systems in favor of competitiveness-driven agendas, urban food policies (UFPs) represent increasingly relevant governance tools for promoting sustainability-oriented transformations. UFPs are frequently described as a collective and equitable approach to food system governance that could align with principles of common-pool resource management. However, systematic and empirical assessments of whether UFPs’ institutional arrangements actually reflect commons governance remain limited. This study addresses this gap by analyzing 17 UFPs through the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, assessing the degree to which they create conditions for commons-oriented governance. Results show substantial variation, with only a minority of the analyzed UFPs demonstrating institutional arrangements substantially aligned with commons principles, while most exhibit either centralized municipal control or hybrid arrangements where participation remains consultative rather than transformative.