Bridging Divides: Urban Poverty and Inclusive City Planning Training Course

Introduction

Urban areas, while hubs of economic activity and innovation, often grapple with persistent challenges of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. A significant portion of the global urban population resides in informal settlements, lacks access to basic services, and faces systemic barriers to opportunity. Addressing urban poverty and fostering truly inclusive cities demands a paradigm shift in planning—one that moves beyond conventional approaches to prioritize equity, empower marginalized communities, and integrate their needs into the very fabric of urban development.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip urban planners, policymakers, community leaders, development practitioners, and social justice advocates with the essential knowledge and practical tools to understand the multifaceted nature of urban poverty and to design and implement inclusive city planning strategies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of poverty dynamics, participatory methodologies, equitable resource allocation, and pro-poor urban interventions, empowering them to contribute effectively to the creation of just, resilient, and opportunity-rich urban environments for all.

Target Audience

  • Urban Planners and City Officials.
  • Community Development Professionals and Activists.
  • Social Workers and Human Rights Advocates.
  • Policymakers and Legislators focused on urban issues.
  • Non-Profit and Civil Society Organization Leaders.
  • Researchers and Academics in urban studies and poverty.
  • Real Estate Developers interested in affordable and inclusive housing.
  • International Development Professionals.

Duration: 5 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and drivers of urban poverty and inequality.
  • Grasp the various dimensions of social exclusion in urban contexts.
  • Analyze different approaches to inclusive city planning and development.
  • Comprehend methodologies for assessing poverty and vulnerability in urban areas.
  • Evaluate strategies for promoting equitable access to urban services and opportunities.
  • Develop practical skills in designing pro-poor urban interventions and policies.
  • Navigate the complexities of land tenure, informal settlements, and upgrading initiatives.
  • Formulate robust strategies for empowering marginalized communities in planning processes.
  • Understand the role of governance and finance in addressing urban poverty.
  • Champion a human rights-based approach to urban development.

Course Content

  1. Understanding Urban Poverty and Inequality
  • Defining urban poverty: income, multi-dimensional, chronic.
  • Causes and drivers of urban poverty and inequality.
  • The spatial manifestation of poverty in cities (slums, informal settlements).
  • Social exclusion and marginalization in urban contexts.
  • Global trends in urban poverty and its challenges.
  1. Principles of Inclusive City Planning
  • Defining inclusive city planning and its core values.
  • Equity, accessibility, and participation as central tenets.
  • Moving beyond "trickle-down" development approaches.
  • The role of planning in addressing social justice in cities.
  • International frameworks for inclusive urban development (e.g., New Urban Agenda).
  1. Assessing Poverty and Vulnerability in Urban Areas
  • Methodologies for urban poverty mapping and data collection.
  • Utilizing disaggregated data for understanding inequalities.
  • Vulnerability assessments and identifying at-risk populations.
  • Participatory poverty assessments (PPAs) and community-led data.
  • Analyzing the impacts of urban policies on different income groups.
  1. Land Tenure and Informal Settlements
  • Understanding informal settlements: causes, characteristics, challenges.
  • Legal and policy frameworks for land tenure security.
  • Strategies for slum upgrading and regularization.
  • Resettlement policies and their social impacts.
  • The role of planning in integrating informal areas into the formal city.
  1. Equitable Access to Basic Urban Services
  • Challenges in providing water, sanitation, electricity, and waste management in poor areas.
  • Innovative service delivery models for underserved communities.
  • Ensuring affordability and accessibility of basic services.
  • The role of infrastructure planning in poverty reduction.
  • Case studies of successful service provision in informal settlements.
  1. Pro-Poor Urban Development Interventions
  • Strategies for affordable housing provision.
  • Promoting local economic development and livelihoods in poor neighborhoods.
  • Investing in social infrastructure: health, education, community centers.
  • Designing safe and inclusive public spaces.
  • Integrated urban regeneration programs.
  1. Community Empowerment and Participation
  • The importance of genuine community participation in planning.
  • Methodologies for empowering marginalized groups in decision-making.
  • Building community capacity and leadership.
  • Participatory budgeting and co-creation approaches.
  • Addressing power imbalances in planning processes.
  1. Governance and Institutional Frameworks
  • The role of local government in addressing urban poverty.
  • Decentralization and strengthening municipal capacity.
  • Multi-stakeholder partnerships for inclusive development.
  • Legal and regulatory reforms to support pro-poor planning.
  • Ensuring transparency and accountability in urban governance.
  1. Financing Inclusive Urban Development
  • Sources of finance for affordable housing and pro-poor infrastructure.
  • Leveraging public funds, grants, and international aid.
  • Microfinance and community-led financial mechanisms.
  • Impact investing and social bonds for urban development.
  • Strategies for making projects financially viable and sustainable.
  1. Case Studies and Future Directions
  • In-depth analysis of successful inclusive city planning initiatives globally.
  • Examination of real-world challenges and innovative solutions in addressing urban poverty.
  • Best practices in community engagement, policy formulation, and project implementation.
  • Group exercises on designing inclusive planning interventions for hypothetical urban contexts.
  • Future outlook for urban poverty reduction and building equitable cities.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport Pick Up is provided by the institute. Accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

 

Bridging Divides: Urban Poverty And Inclusive City Planning Training Course in Sweden
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