UN Millennium Development Library

More than 900 million people currently live in urban slums and the number is growing as rapid urbanization continues in the developing world. A Home in the City urges countries to strengthen their focus on the growing urban crisis and improving the lives of slum dwellers. Proposed are specific investments and policy changes required at local and national levels to create a vibrant, equitable and productive urban environment. It underscores the need for close strategic partnerships between local authorities and organizations of the urban poor for slum upgrading and improved urban management. From adopting citywide strategies and establishing adequate and affordable infrastructure and services, to building effective public transport and constructing low-income housing, it offers valuable methods to prevent future slum formation and to improve the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020.

Executive summary; Chapter 1 The dimensions of the problem; Chapter 2 Recognizing the urban poor as active agents of development; Chapter 3 Reaching the target through improved governance; Chapter 4 Supporting and enacting local pro-poor policies; Chapter 5 Mobilizing resources and investments; Chapter 6 Empowering local action; Chapter 7 Monitoring progress toward target 11; Chapter 8 Investing in the target to improve the lives of slum dwellers;