Better cities, better world: a handbook on local governments self-assessments

Genesis, Objectives and Rationale, Process and Methodology: The Story behind Local Governments Self-Assessments. Genesis; Objectives and Rationale for Local Governments Self-Assessments: Connecting the Dots between Municipal Investments and Finances; Local Governments Self-Assessments: Process and Methodology; References; Additional Readings -- Making Sense of the City and Sorting Out Investment Needs and Priorities: The Urban Audit/Self-Assessment. Objectives and Approach; Block 1. City ProfileBlock 2. City Diagnosis and Needs Assessment; Block 3. Priority Investment Programs: Selection, Consultation, and Implementation; The "So What?" Question: Beyond Investments, A Solution Package of Supporting Measures; Note; References; Additional Readings -- Getting the Finances in Order: The Municipal Finances Self-Assessment. Objectives and Rationale; MFSA Methodology; Step 1: Setting Up Core Databases; Step 2: Historical Analysis; Step 3: Ratio Analysis; Step 4: Financial Projections; Step 5: Financial Management Assessment; Step 6: MFSA Action Plan; References -- Way Forward and Perspectives for the Future: Transformative Actions for a New Urban Agenda. Beyond the Nuts and Bolts of Local Governments Self-Assessments: A World of Applications; Institutionalization of LGSA: Integrating LGSA into Current Practice of Local Governments; LGSA Contribution to City-Based Knowledge Products: Data with a Purpose, Data with a Voice, Deep Dive into Storytelling; LGSAs: Tapping External Sources of Funding and Accessing Multiple Windows of Financing; From LGSAs to Green Financing; From LGSAs to Municipal Programs: Partnership Agreements and the Municipal ContractKeeping an Eye on the Prize: A Bottom-Line Approach to Better City Management; References; Additional Readings -- Appendix A: Local Governments Self-Assessments: Simplified Framework or Version "Light" -- Appendix B: Detailed Methodology and Procedures to Help Calculate Specific Results in MFSA -- Appendix C: Municipal Finances Self-Assessment Online Application: An Interactive Platform for Mainstreaming of Use -- Appendix D: MFSA Action Plan: Long List of Possible Key Actions -- Appendix E: Self-Assessed Shadow Credit Rating -- Glossary.