Planning in Practice: The Impact of the PNRR on the Metropolitan City

The PNRR represents an unprecedented opportunity for urban regeneration and territorial planning in Italy, particularly at the municipal and metropol-itan levels. Despite controversies related to its design, management, and fund allocation, it has allowed cities to complete complex projects and in-novate governance structures. However, challenges remain, including an imbalance in funding distribution favoring capital cities and a lack of a clear regulatory framework for metropolitan governance. The research highlights how the plan has redefined the role of Metropoli-tan Cities (MCs), positioning them as intermediaries between national and local scales. The MC of Bologna has played a coordinating role, consolidat-ing local proposals into three major projects focusing on mobility and housing. In contrast, the MC of Florence adopted a thematic approach, em-phasizing accessibility, sustainability, and housing inclusivity. The PNRR’s interventions have reinforced MCs’ strategic planning func-tions while also challenging their governance structures. This shift has im-plications for the interaction between municipal, metropolitan, and nation-al planning, shaping the future of urban regeneration in Italy.