We are proud to present the results of the 4th edition of the research project “The image of Łódź in the eyes of students from public universities”. It was carried out by Students from Scientific Association of Spatial Economy SPATIUM (SKN SPATIUM) from the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Łodź. This report raises important issues concerning city’s functioning under competitive conditions on the example of Łódź. It also presents problems which local authorities encounter in the process of city management, especially in the context of creation of the city’s image and city’s branding.