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Description of  Better Cities, Better World: A Handbook on Local Governments Self-Assessments

1464813361 pdf The planet is becoming increasingly urban. In many ways, the urbanization wave and the unprecedented urban growth of the past 20 years have created a sense of urgency and an impetus for change. Some 54 percent of the world population3.9 billion peoplelives in urban areas today thus, it has become clear that business as usual is no longer possible. This new configuration places great expectations on local governments. While central governments are subject to instability and political changes, local governments are seen as more inclined to stay the course. Because they are closer to the people, the voice of the people is more clearly heard for a truly democratic debate over the choice of neighborhood investments and city-wide policies and programs, as well as the decision process on the use of public funds and taxpayers money. In a context of skewed financial resources and complex urban challengesthat range from the provision of basic traditional municipal services to the newer agenda of social inclusion, economic development, city branding, emergency response, smart technologies, and green investmentmore cities are searching for more effective and innovative ways to deal with new and old problems. Read more