This book intends to theoretically conceptualize and empirically investigate upcoming and established practices of community-based initiatives in various countries in which both citizens and governments join efforts and capacities to solve problems.

1. Positioning and Conceptualising Community-Based Initiatives in Waves of Civic Engagement 2. Community-Based Initiatives and Their Contribution to Governance Capacity 3. Citizen Innovation in Place Governance 4. Out of the Governance Capacity Comfort Zone: Noncompliant Community-Based Initiatives in Israel 5. Philanthropic Foundations in Community Benefit Agreements: Vital Partners or Third Wheels? 6. From Protesters to Professionals: Governance Approaches and Capacities in the Antwerp Ring Road Struggles 7. The Relationship Between Government and Community-Based Initiatives: Experiences from Sharing Economy Initiatives in China 8. Challenges and Efforts Towards Local Governance Capacity Development in the Era of Austerity in Japan 9. Community-based Initiatives in the Rust Belt: Collaborative Land Use Governance in a Shrinking City 10. Community Renewable Energy and Collaborative Governance: Social Entrepreneurialism at the Local Level in Australia 11. Tying the Community and Administration for Success? Unravelling the Role of Governance Capacity in the Performance of Community-Based Initiatives 12. Cross-case Findings and Conclusions: CBI motivations and Mechanisms Enhancing Governance Capacity

Jurian Edelenbos is Professor of Interactive Governance, Department of Public Administration & Sociology, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Astrid Molenveld is Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration & Sociology, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Ingmar van Meerkerk is Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration & Sociology, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.