This study examined the links between the sporting events agenda and community development activities in three cities: Edmonton, Canada; Manchester, United Kingdom; and Melbourne, Australia. A four part research process was undertaken to (1) examine the historical and political context of each city, (2) examine the nature of the coalitions guiding the use of sport for urban development, (3) explore coalition members perceptions of the links between sporting events and community development, and (4) consider strategies for developing more socially responsible event policies. It was determined that the coalitions in each of these cities represent what Stoker and Mossberger (1994) have referred to as symbolic urban regimes focussed on marketing and promoting the image of the city. The coalition in Edmonton represents a progressive symbolic regime where economic growth is secondary to promoting a desirable image of the city to attract tourists and investments. Manchester and Melbournes coalitions represent urban revitalisation symbolic regimes where increased economic activity is a vital part of the reimaging process surrounding events. Regime members were interviewed to determine their perceptions regarding the use of sporting events as part of a community development agenda. In Edmonton, regime members interviewed perceived little connection between the events strategy and community development issues. The rhetoric of community development used by regime members reflected a neoliberal philosophy of city- as-a-whole wherein all citizens benefit from the hosting of sporting events. In Manchester and Melbourne, regime members were more attentive to social and community issues. Many of the regime members cited specific examples where attempts had been made to satisfy the needs/interests of local neighbourhoods, community groups, and community organisations. Despite the attention to social and community needs, they conceded the need to find ways to create stronger links between the events strategies and community needs. The final section of the research returned to the interview and documentation data collected from Manchester and Melbourne to explore strategies and policy issues to help create more socially inclusive and community oriented events agendas. This section offers opportunities to develop policies that could enhance the ties between the use of events for civic development and the needs of local communities.