Decisions today will shape cities for decades and that attention needs to be focused on the entire rural to urban continuum, not simply on the larger cities.
Participants discussed specific solutions to the challenges of informal settlements and rapid, unplanned urbanisation. In many countries these are difficult to tackle because of funding shortages, lack of capacity and expertise in planning departments, and insufficient collaboration between national and sub-national governments.
Urban expansion planning was presented as a viable model for cities to proactively plan for future growth. It involves identifying land needed for growth; preparing a grid of arterial roads in the periphery and securing rights of way for them; and establishing “no build” zones to preserve land for public parks. Implemented through close collaboration with local communities, this stripped-back masterplan can help deliver sustainable urban development at a lower cost when compared with “retrofitting” infrastructure into existing informal settlements.
Strengthening the link between urban planning and revenue generation can help to make the case for greater capability. Land value capture is commonly used to raise revenue from property owners and developers, which is then deployed to fund public infrastructure. This practice could be implemented by sub-national governments in developing countries to promote planned urban expansion.
Identifying effective models for upgrading informal settlements is important. An example in Nairobi was highlighted: The Mukuru SPA (Special Planning Area) is a multi-disciplinary project bringing together the municipal government, urban planners, and local communities to promote the improvement of an informal settlement.
Many delegates highlighted the importance of participatory planning, involving local communities in decision-making. This is often paramount in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where much land is traditionally owned by local residents rather than the government or freeholders.
More cross-sectoral communication could also help to solve wider problems around the inefficiency and carbon-intensity of the construction industry.