The objective of the work is to analyze from the theory the various contributions that allow the enrichment of the strategic planning of territorial ordering in the canton and the city of Portoviejo. The article presents a theoretical analysis on the concepts of strategic planning and the instruments for territorial ordering and urban development of cities and their repercussions for the territory. The historical foundations that serve as a basis for the strategic planning process of the Portoviejo canton and the main references that exist in this regard are examined. As a method, a bibliographic review work is applied that provides useful experiences to expose the final conclusions of the article in a well-founded way. An analytical investigation with a descriptive character is shown that allows to base the proposal that justifies the establishment of strategic planning for the ordering and territorial development in the canton and the city of Portoviejo. As results, a holistic vision of strategic planning and its repercussions for the development of the territory, the peculiarities of its conception and implementation are offered, as well as the models that allow its evaluation and permanent control and that serve as the basis for the decision-making at the governmental and social levels. It is concluded that there is a need to continue research in this regard, since the temporal dimension of the exercise of government in the cantons threatens the fulfillment of strategic goals aimed at the well-being of society and the development of the territory in the long term.