“Planning for Climate Adaptation Program” for Four Dominican Republic Municipalities: Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macoris, and Las Terrenas, 2015

Abstract

In 2015, a team from I2UD contributed to the Planning for Climate Adaptation Program of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and USAID, working with four municipalities in the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macorís, and Las Terrenas).

The projects focused on three main objectives: 1) Improving the technical and management capacity of municipal planners; 2) Incorporating climate change adaptation considerations into the municipal planning process; and 3) Supporting the scale-up of climate resilient land use planning best practices to other municipalities in the Dominican Republic.

Documents include two official reports, an overview of I2UD’s involvement including curriculum, case studies, and scope of work, and NOAH case study and timeline.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2015-2016
Project Type:Risk Assessment and Local Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Dominican Republic
Reports:
Planning for Climate Adaptation Program:
Inter-Institutional Working Groups Protocol (Report, December 2015)


Planning for Climate Adaptation Program:
Methods of Inclusive Development (Report, January 2016)


Planning for Climate Adaptation Program:
(NOAH Case Study, March 2016)


Planning for Climate Adaptation Program:
(NOAH Timeline)


Planning for Climate Adaptation Program:
(Scope of Work)


Planning for Climate Adaptation Program:
I2UD Involvement


Planning for Climate Adaptation Program:
Curriculum


Planning for Climate Adaptation Program:
Annex II, Selected Case Studies Reviewed

Authors:François Vigier; John Driscoll; Oriol Monfort; Jim Kostaras; Alejandra Mortarini; Barbara Summers
Sponsors:USAID; International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2015_10_002

Related I2UD Projects


“Planning for Climate Adaptation Program” for Four Dominican Republic Municipalities: Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macoris, and Las Terrenas, 2015

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

“Arusha Urbanization Strategy and Urban Development Plan,” Development Strategy for Arusha Municipality, Tanzania, 2009-2012

ICLRD: Urban Reconciliation Case Studies for Public Housing Estates in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with Study Profile on the Basel Metropolitan Area, 2010-2012

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

IEP 2003: “Infrastructure and Partnerships for Local Economic Development” in Pretoria and Bloemfontein, South Africa, International Education Programs, 2003

IEP 2002: “Strategic Planning for Local Development & Urban Revitalization,” Program Overview, International Education Programs, 2002

Workshops on “Strategic Planning and Management of Municipal Infrastructure Programs,” from Review of Grant-Funded MIPs in South Africa, May-June 1999

“Housing Microfinance Initiatives,” Case Study for USAID Microenterprise Best Practices Initiative, 1999-2000

ITP 1998: “The Role of Public/Private Partnerships in Urban Improvements,” with Case Studies on Kreuzberg, Berlin (Germany), GIS Mapping on Cape Cod (US) and the Maarouf Quarter of Cairo (Egypt), 1998

“City of Szczecin Capital Improvement Program,” Case Studies for Technical Assistance Program, Szczecin, Poland, 1996

ITP 1994: “Revitalization in Older Urban Spaces,” Upham’s Corner, Dorchester, Boston, South Boston, and New Haven (US); Montpellier (France); and Cork (Ireland) with Case Studies, International Education Programs, 1994

“Introduction to Local Finances,” Teaching Monographs and Case Studies on Finance Management, by Visiting Lecturer David C. Jones, 1994-1999

“Social Sustainability and Citizen Engagement (SSCE),” Local Project Management for Phase 2 of the World Bank-Austria Urban Partnership Program (UPP) in Southeastern Europe, 2015

Abstract

In 2015, I2UD contributed to Phase 2 of the “Social Sustainability and Citizen Engagement” (SSCE) project. The project built off of the successful approach of the Social Sustainability Audit (SSA) implemented in Phase 1 of the World Bank-Austria Urban Partnership Program (UPP).

Local City Teams worked in Elbasan (Albania), Gjilan (Kosovo), Kumanovo (North Macedonia), Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Karlovac (Croatia), Kolašin and Ulcinj (Montenegro), and Pančevo and Šabac (Serbia), along with researchers from I2UD and Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development based in Tirana, Albania.

I2UD staff worked closely with Co-PLAN to manage the project and Local City Team partners to undertake the municipal assessments, including developing project methodologies in a participatory way, supporting Local City Teams in undertaking the local research and discussions, analyzing project outputs, and documenting best practices in increasing social accountability. Teams undertook research on the current status of participation, transparency, and feedback in municipal services and governance in each region. Teams held focus group discussions, interviews, participatory scenario development workshops and drafted City Action Plans to implement a catalyst project to enhance social sustainability and increase citizen engagement.

The project sought to increase knowledge and awareness of social accountability among local stakeholders including civil society, government officials, and marginalized urban residents; and to strengthen integrity in public service delivery by increasing the demand for good governance, social accountability, and civic participation in a regional perspective in each city.


[Excerpt: Technical Proposal]

“Phase 1 of this project resulted in detailed, analytical reports of each of the nine cities covering demographic, social, physical, economic, cultural, institutional and political issues….the city teams also identified vulnerable groups to be the focus of the second phase of the assessment. This selection was made on the basis of official information obtained from institutions responsible for the provision of various public services at a local level, findings from research studies made by international and national organizations, as well as other relevant documents (laws, provisions, local development strategies, etc.) and representatives from marginalized and vulnerable communities and NGOS consulted during the inception phase.”

Project Year:2015-2017
Project Type:Technical Assistance
Geographic Regions:Southeast Europe
Reports:
SSCE Initiative: Short Technical Proposal (June 2015)

SSCE Initiative: Elbasan, Albania, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Gjilan, Kosovo, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Karlovac, Croatia, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Kolasin, Montenegro, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Kumanovo, Macedonia, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Pancevo, Serbia, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Sabac, Serbia, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Ulcinj, Montenegro, Synthesis Report (January 2017)

SSCE Initiative: Brochure World Bank-Austria (January 2018)

Authors:I2UD: Maren Larsen; Bruce Purdy; Carolina Morgan; John Driscoll; Hans Freidl; François Vigier;
Co-PLAN: Dritan Shutina; Aida Ciro; Elvan Dajko; Ingrid Xhafa;
AIP (Gjilan): Florina Jerliu; Mrinë Godanca;
GONG (Croatia): Maja Horvat; Nives Miošić;
CSD (Kumanovo): Sonja Damchevska;
NALED (Pančevo and Šabac): Ivana Cikik; Maja Todorovic;
ATD (Tuzla): Elma Demir;
MANS (Montenegro): Alexander Maskovic; Vuk Maras
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2015_09_001

Related I2UD Projects

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

Abstract

In 2013, I2UD prepared a chapter on the Middle East and West Asia (MEWA) region, for the Third Global Report on Democracy and Decentralization (Gold III): “Basic Services for an Urbanizing World.”

I2UD’s Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia,” (p. 59-64) (see below) addressed four components: 1) Assessing the role of local and regional authorities in the provision of basic local public services; 2) Determining obstacles to local authority and services; 3) Exploring best practices underway or in development in the region; and 4) Proposing recommendations to improve service delivery through the greater involvement of local and regional authorities.

Documents include a complete Gold III Report “Executive Summary,” with the I2UD Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia.” Presentations relate to case studies presented by I2UD on Barcelona and Marseille. The I2UD research team was led by Mona Serageldin, with Sheelah Gobar, Warren Hagist, Carolina Morgan, and François Vigier also from I2UD, and Ozdemir Somnez from the Istanbul Metropolitan Planning and Urban Design Centre of Turkey.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2013
Project Type:Research Presentations
Geographic Regions:Middle East / Western Asia
Reports:
GOLD III Report: Basic Services for All in an Urbanizing World (Executive Summary)

Excerpt: I2UD Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia,” (p. 59-64)



Supporting Documents and Presentations:
GOLD III Report: Middle East and West Asia (I2UD Final Draft, June 2013)

GOLD III Report: (Recommendations)

GOLD III Report: Middle East and West Asia (Barcelona Overview and Conclusions Presentation, July 2013)


GOLD III Report: Middle East and West Asia (Barcelona Presentation, July 2013)

GOLD III Report: Middle East and West Asia (Barcelona Presentation, January 2013)

GOLD III Report: Mediterranean Authorities Forum, Marseille (Presentation, April 2013)

Authors:Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Sheelah Gobar; Warren Hagist; Carolina Morgan; Ozdemir Somnez
Sponsors:United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2013_02_001

Related I2UD Projects

“Urban Planning Guide for City Leaders,” Research for UN-Habitat Report, 2014 Edition

In 2014, Dr. Mona Serageldin, Elda Solloso, and Gil Kelley contributed to background research papers for the 2014 edition of the UN-Habitat publication “Urban Planning Guide for City Leaders.” The 188-page report sought to help local leaders to develop and communicate urban planning initiatives and to follow best practices in light of rapid urbanization.


[Excerpt:] Table 4.1, Adapted from research by Dr. Serageldin (page 97):

Project Year:2012
Project Type:Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Pablo Vaggione; Carolina Morgan; Elda Solloso; Gil Kelley
Sponsors:UN-Habitat; Siemens; Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2012_00_002

“Decentralization and Urban Infrastructure Management Capacity,” Research Paper for UN-Habitat’s Third Global Report on Human Settlements, 2000

A CUDS research paper from 2000 provided an overview of decentralization and infrastructure policy in the USA since the 1990. The study stressed the expanding scope for private sector involvement and the growing role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in the delivery of infrastructure services for urban slums – properly termed informal settlements. The paper served as a background paper for UN-Habitat’s Third Global Report on Human Settlements.


[Excerpt: Background Paper, August 2000]

1.0 Overview: This background paper is based on an extensive review of infrastructure initiatives implemented since the early 1990s in different economic, social and cultural settings. Recent trends are assessed and creative approaches presented. In each case, the challenges faced and the context within which infrastructure problems have to be addressed determined the range of options and the choice of strategies. The remarkable results achieved by Best Practices are highlighted with a special focus on the ingredients underlying their success.”


[Excerpt: Table of Contents, Background Paper, August 2000, p. 2 of 31]

Project Year:2000
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:Decentralization and Urban Infrastructure Management Capacity (Background Paper, August 2000)
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Suzanne Kim; Sameh Wahba
Sponsors:UN-Habitat
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2000_08_003

“Housing Microfinance Initiatives,” Case Study for USAID Microenterprise Best Practices Initiative, 1999-2000

Abstract

The Unit’s work on the “Housing Microfinance Initiative” case study spanned 1999 to 2000, along with USAID’s Microenterprise Best Practices effort.

The Unit produced reports to highlight the achievements of housing micro-finance initiatives around the world. Findings noted the challenges facing the extension of microcredit to poor households for funding shelter construction and improvements, land acquisition, and infrastructure provisions. Geographic regions addressed include South Asia, Southeast Asia, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Latin America (specifically Guatemala), and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Documents include a final report, a 1998 draft background report on Guatemala, an inception brief, multiple summary and synthesis reports, supporting overviews, case studies with photos. Regional overviews address the broad geographic areas noted above.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1999-2000
Project Type:Case Study
Geographic Regions:South Asia (India and Bangladesh) / Southeast Asia (Philippines) / Latin America (Guatemala) / Sub-Saharan Africa (South Africa)
Reports:
Housing Microfinance: (Final Report)

Housing Microfinance Initiatives: Genesis Empresarial Community Infrastructure Lending Program, Guatemala (Final Draft, December 1998)

Housing Microfinance: (Inception Brief, March 1999)

Housing Microfinance: (Regional Summary, January 2000)

Housing Microfinance: (Synthesis Report, March 2000)

Housing Microfinance: (Synthesis and Regional Summary, May 2000)

Housing Microfinance: (Executive Summary, May 2000)

Housing Microfinance: Proposed Scope (Case Study Overview)

Housing Microfinance: Proposed Scope (Synthesis Report)

Housing Microfinance: Proposed Scope, Asia and Africa (Regional Overview)

Housing Microfinance: Proposed Scope, Latin America and Eastern Europe (Regional Overview)

Housing Microfinance: (Case Studies and Photos)
Authors:John Driscoll; Graciela Fortin-Magana; Christopher Rogers; Mona Serageldin; Sameh Wahba; Christine Williams; Kimberly Wilson
Sponsors:USAID Microfinance Office; Development Alternatives, Inc. (Bethesda, Maryland)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:1999_00_001

Related I2UD Projects

The International Training Programs (ITP) began in 1982, as 2-4 week long summer seminars held by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (Harvard University) in Cambridge, MA. ITP curriculums were designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 19881991199419951997 and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when CUDS (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as “International Education Programs” (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.


“Planning for Climate Adaptation Program” for Four Dominican Republic Municipalities: Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macoris, and Las Terrenas, 2015

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

“Arusha Urbanization Strategy and Urban Development Plan,” Development Strategy for Arusha Municipality, Tanzania, 2009-2012

ICLRD: Urban Reconciliation Case Studies for Public Housing Estates in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with Study Profile on the Basel Metropolitan Area, 2010-2012

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

IEP 2003: “Infrastructure and Partnerships for Local Economic Development” in Pretoria and Bloemfontein, South Africa, International Education Programs, 2003

IEP 2002: “Strategic Planning for Local Development & Urban Revitalization,” Program Overview, International Education Programs, 2002

Workshops on “Strategic Planning and Management of Municipal Infrastructure Programs,” from Review of Grant-Funded MIPs in South Africa, May-June 1999

“Housing Microfinance Initiatives,” Case Study for USAID Microenterprise Best Practices Initiative, 1999-2000

ITP 1998: “The Role of Public/Private Partnerships in Urban Improvements,” with Case Studies on Kreuzberg, Berlin (Germany), GIS Mapping on Cape Cod (US) and the Maarouf Quarter of Cairo (Egypt), 1998

“City of Szczecin Capital Improvement Program,” Case Studies for Technical Assistance Program, Szczecin, Poland, 1996

ITP 1994: “Revitalization in Older Urban Spaces,” Upham’s Corner, Dorchester, Boston, South Boston, and New Haven (US); Montpellier (France); and Cork (Ireland) with Case Studies, International Education Programs, 1994

“Introduction to Local Finances,” Teaching Monographs and Case Studies on Finance Management, by Visiting Lecturer David C. Jones, 1994-1999

Habitat II Conference Research Papers: “Cities of the Global South” – “Leadership and Best Practices”- “Tenure Rights and Development Control,” Istanbul, Turkey, June 1996

Abstract

In June 1996, Dr. Mona Serageldin, representing the Unit for Housing and Urbanization, presented research papers for the United Nation’s Habitat II Conference, in Istanbul, Turkey. Documents here include three papers presented by Mona Serageldin:

1. “Cities of the Global South,” for a dialogue on Land Policy and Rural Urban Linkages.

2. “Leadership and Best Practices,” for a panel on Governance and Best Practices.

3. “Tenure Rights and Development Control,” for a forum on Building Housing to Feel at Home.

Panels were sponsored by the Urban Management Program (established by UN-Habitat, World Bank, and UNDP), the Institute of Public Administration (New York), and the Center for the Global South at American University (Washington, D.C). An additional document, “GSD Participation,” summarizes the Unit’s overall representation at the conference, through affiliates’ presentations and awards given to municipalities where the Unit had been previously involved.


[Excerpt: “GSD Participation,” with Summary of CUDS at the Habitat II Conference]:

“Habitat II was the largest global conference on urban issues since 1976, when Habitat I was held in Vancouver. It attracted over 20,000 participants who debated critical issues, discussed the policy agenda and set directions for the coming decades…

“At the United Nations’ Habitat II Conference held in Istanbul June 3-14, 1996, two cities with whom the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at the GSD has worked over the past few years received Global Best Practices Awards for “excellence in improving the living environment.” They are Lublin, Poland, the Adjame district in Abidjan, Cote d’lvoire. The Unit also organized a special training program for a third recipient, the ANHI housing agency of Morocco.

“Nicolas You, coordinator for Best Practices and Local Leadership Program at Habitat explained that the object of the Awards is to highlight particularly successful actions that improve the human environment. The secretary general of the United Nations, Dr. Boutros – Ghali, presented the awards to the recipients in plenary session.”

“Secretary General of Habitat, Dr. Wally N’Dow stated: “The collection and dissemination of Best Practices will be an important and lasting heritage of Habitat II.” The Initiative will establish a database accessible on the Internet and a video library documenting these outstanding experiences in order to encourage transfer of knowledge, experience, and expertise. The Unit will participate in this interactive mode of exchange of ideas and learning.”

“Mona Serageldin, Professor of Urban Planning and Associate Director of the Unit participated on panels discussing “Best Practices and Good Govemance,” “Cities in the South, Preparing for the Next Millennium,” “Building Capacity for Better Cities,” and “The Dialogue on Land Policy.”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1996
Project Type:Conference
Geographic Regions:Istanbul, Turkey (Conference Location)
Reports:
Habitat II Conference: Cities of the Global South (Mona Serageldin, June 1996)


Habitat II Conference: Leadership and Best Practices (Mona Serageldin, June 1996)

Habitat II Conference: Tenure Rights and Development Controls (Mona Serageldin, June 1996)

Habitat II Conference: GSD Participation (June 1996)
Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:UN-Habitat; Center for the Global South, American University; Institute of Public Administration (New York); World Bank; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Categories:Evaluations and Assessments
  
ID:1996_06_001

“Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme,” Review of International Urban Development Projects, for the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), 1995

Abstract

In 1995, the Unit participated in the “Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme” by the the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat). In addition to 28 national profiles, documents include a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ between the Unit and Habitat agency, and Best Practices guidelines for pre-screening cases. See an Excerpt from the Memorandum below.

The Programme highlighted international urban development projects as candidates for the UN’s Best Practices database. Documents address human settlement case studies in twelve nations: India, Australia, Austria, Kenya, Egypt, Argentina, Norway, Venezuela, Angola, Greece, Scotland, Philippines, Brazil, Germany, Turkey, and South Africa.

The Unit evaluated 28 city programs, following UN-Habitat’s programme goals:

  1. To develop and maintain a knowledge base on best practices in improving the living environment including their corresponding sources of knowledge, experience and expertise;
  2. To promote the dissemination, sharing and exchange of lessons learned from the above-mentioned best practices and others by and amongst all key groups of actors and stakeholders in the human settlement and development process;
  3. To facilitate the transfer of the knowledge, experience and expertise associated with best practices in improving the living environment through new and improved means of cooperation on a north-north, north-south and south-south basis including decentralized forms of cooperation;
  4. To assist scholars and practitioners in their investigation of innovative approaches to urban development.


[Excerpt, “Guide to Documenting and Learning from Best Practices,” 1996. Introduction, page 6]

“The Best Practices Initiative began as a world-wide search for human settlements success stories. An official part of the preparatory process for The City Summit – the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) – held in Istanbul, Turkey, in June 1996. Best Practices Initiative generated over 600 submissions from 80 countries by the official deadline. These initiatives are testimonials to human ingenuity in the face of the challenges of an urbanizing world.”

“A two-stage, independent selection process produced a list of 104 Best Practices and highlighted 12 initiatives to receive the Tokyo and Dubai Awards for Excellence in Improving the Living Environment. The twelve Award recipients and many other initiatives were also on display at the Best Practices Exhibition, the largest single-theme exposition ever organised by the United Nations. The enthusiasm and interest generated by the Best Practices Initiative has led to its incorporation as an ongoing programme of UNCHS (Habitat): the Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme (BLP). The BLP will operate as a network of leading capacity-building institutions from around the world. Mandated to support the implementation of the Habitat Agenda – the Global Plan of Action adopted at Habitat II – through the continued sharing and transfer of Best Practices knowledge, experience and expertise, the BLP is launching a second call for submissions, culminating in a second round of Awards for Excellence in Improving the Living Environment in October 1998.”

“The purpose of this guide is to provide a framework for identifying, documenting and learning from BEST PRACTICES. In addition, this guide explains how individuals, groups and organizations can participate in a continuous exchange of know-how, experience and expertise in sustainable human settlements development.”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1995
Project Type:UN-Habitat Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme
Geographic Regions:Tamil Nadu and Delhi, India / New South Wales and Queensland, Australia / Vienna, Austria / Jua Kali Sector, Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya / Helwan and Cairo, Egypt / Tucumán, Argentina / Oslo Old Town, Norway / Caracas, Venezuela / Sambizanga, Angola / Keramitsa and Perama, Greece / Glasgow, Scotland / Naga, Philippines / Santos, São Paulo, Brazil / Potsdam, Mannheim, and Kiel Mettenhof, Germany / Eryaman and Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey / Nkonkobe (Alice), South Africa
Reports:
Authors:François Vigier
Sponsors:Untied Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Evaluations and Assessments
  
ID:1995_00_007

Related I2UD Projects