This paper arose out of discussions that took place during sessions of the Fourth Perm Economic Forum. A theme-based event, the Forum is held annually every September. In 2008, the theme of the Forum was urban development, including, naturally, development strategies for the city as a regional capital. The Forum took place before the economic crisis took hold and circumstances have changed significantly since that time, but the issues discussed have remained relevant. The problems facing cities worldwide are strategic ones and Russia is no exception. Economic fluctuations may affect priorities or the urgency with which particular problems are dealt with, but in their nature these problems remain unchanged.