In the urban strategies, plans and laws concerning Athens, the space and geography of the city are of particular importance appearing:
(a) as geographies of degradation, crisis and delinquency
(b) as latent potential that remains untapped (especially as far as vacant and public buildings are concerned)
(c) as a resource, social but above all economic - an investment resource that can make Athens a contemporary Metropolis.

The proposal for 'the return of the residents', discrediting and stigmatising the populations living in the city centre, and clearly stating the desire to change the city's population. In this direction, and in the context of the 2010 crisis and the effects of the measures implemented, the emphasis is on tourism and on attracting entrepreneurs and investors (especially in real estate). At the same time, specific neighbourhoods of the city remain for a long time in the news and on the crosshairs of policies revolving around 'upgrading' (the areas of Metaxourgeio - Kerameikos - Commercial Triangle are examples of this tendency).

Key words include 'city identity', 'resilience', 'entrepreneurship' and 'innovation' - with the latter two emphasising new forms of entrepreneurship and creative businesses. Beyond landmark projects focusing on the city's image, the city's identity is expressed primarily through the historic-commercial triangle, having as a primary objective the repackaging of urban space as a 'tourist product'. In that light the tourism product does not only focus on ancient history but on the promotion of creativity and the expansion of tourism products 'gesturing' towards different clientele of 'urban tourism' (for example 'spice street', this is Athens programs). The 'competitiveness' desired seems to revolve mainly around the tourist 'product' of Athens and then the 'revitalisation of the real estate market' and the 'upgrading' of public and common spaces are permanent references. Now, with the effects of the extensive touristification of the city's neighbourhoods and the consequent reduction of the available housing stock, demands for access to and protection of housing are being raised again and under new conditions.

It is important to stress here the growing importance of partnerships, sponsorships and collaborations with businesses, institutions, chambers of commerce and interest groups. This reproduces the business city format in new terms and incorporates local and international interest groups as expressed by both local and international foundations and consultants. In this context, there is a particularly enhanced role for foundations and investment companies in the formulation of policies for the city space and in the promotion of specific projects. These issues are more prominent in the public debate on the redevelopment of the Omonia Square and the Great Promenade, but also with a series of publications concerning intentions for redevelopment in vague terms, such as the case of the Strifi Hill. However, as the crisis and subsequent measures have depleted the city's resources (and in particular those related to welfare and support structures), partnerships and collaborations with the aforementioned institutions are presented as a salvation.