Master Plans and Strategic Plans, the first adopted due to a new federal law, the second implemented due to a more methodological option, are current instruments observed all over Brazil, and both constitute what could be called a contemporary urban utopia for Brazilian cities. This article is an attempt to discuss the way both instruments are implemented, their potentials and their limitations. At the same time, this article aims at finding way to integrate both approaches. Such integration is discussed by means of the authors experience in the implementation of such Plans and of secondary data. Master Plans are contextualized in the adoption of the new urban legislation (The Cities Statute). Strategic Plans are viewed as an instrument already adopted by private sector but also able to respect the dogmas of community participation.
comprehensive plan; strategic plan; public policy; community participation
