The intention of the initiative is to identify lessons on how to strengthen urban finance, building on a range of city case studies from countries selected to represent different levels of urbanisation and structural transformation, examples, and discussions with key stakeholders. Cities can be engines of productivity, but only when their development is properly planned and governed. This includes aligning spatial and economic development to facilitate access to finance. This can be own revenues, national government transfers, and external finance; all necessary as city managers consider development projects, matching public funds to private financing to sustain critical infrastructure and services.