The aim of the study is to define the role of urban planning as a tool for urban management. Urban functional areas, which include large cities and their suburbanization zones, are a particular challenge for planning. These areas are managed by various municipal governments, while rapid and multifaceted development processes are occuring within them. Studies carried out in Lublin and its suburbanization zone indicate that spatial planning is not an effective and consistent tool for managing local space in alignment with other instruments. For instance, the way planning is carried out by the city and surrounding municipalities increases the cost of developing and operating municipal infrastructure. The reason for this phenomenon is primarily linked to systemic factors, particularly the relationship between the municipal government and residents, as well as business entities operating within the municipality.
