Cities in transition: World Bank urban and local Government strategy

The World Bank's new strategy for an urbanizing world, Cities in Transition: World Bank Urban and Local Government Strategy, recognizes that cities and towns form the front line in a global campaign to address issues of poverty and development opportunity. Guided by a vision of sustainable cities that are livable, competitive, well governed and managed, and bankable, this study argues that the World Bank needs to view the city holistically while intervening selectively; facilitate city-led development processes as well as support sound national urban policy frameworks; invest widely in urban knowledge generation, dissemination, and capacity building; and work through strengthened public and private partnerships at local national, and international levels. Cities in Transition proposes four strategy building blocks to supplement and enhance the Bank's continuing activities in urban development. These are (1) support to national urban strategies, (2) support to city-led development strategies, (3) scaling up programs of services or the poor, and (4) enhanced assistance for knowledge sharing and capacity building. The study is an invaluable resource that builds upon the World Bank's experience in and commitment to urban development.