dc.description.abstract | The majority of the world's population lives in cities, which increasingly need to be inserted within the perspective of sustainable development, whose modern concept is supported by four well-defined pillars: social inclusion, economic development, environmental protection and good governance. In this scenario, cities need to develop towards a decarbonized future, according to the Paris Agreement. To this end, alternatives are presented to solve urban problems resulting from unsustainable practices, indicating which urban-environmental instruments, provided for in Brazilian legislation, are feasible for structuring sustainable cities. Strategies for sustainable urban planning are suggested, based on efficiency criteria, designed within the framework of democratic public governance. The participation and engagement of society, in constant and assured dialogue with the public authorities, becomes essential for the achievement of this purpose. To achieve this objective, the constitutional principle of sustainable development, also a fundamental constitutional duty and right, becomes an essential legal instrument in the Brazilian legal system. The pillar of environmental protection deserves to be highlighted, as it is up to the Public Power and individuals to preserve planet Earth for the benefit of present and future generations. Interinstitutional governance mechanisms can also assist in the realization of municipal public policies, bringing to the fore a dialogue of arrangements between the powers, their bodies and managers, in an intelligent, transparent and open decision making, able to prevent causes, overcome legal difficulties communications and curb inequities. In the text, bibliographic research is used as the main source, supported by the content review in the doctrine and in the legislation. From a monographic approach, the conclusion is reached that the best way to achieve sustainable urban development is through investment in sustainable public policies, structured based on the constitutional principle of sustainable development and democratically elaborated in compliance with the principles of good governance and the particularities of the polis. | en |