What is a CDS

A City Development Strategy is an action-plan for equitable growth in cities, developed and sustained through participation, to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

The goals of a City Development Strategy  include a collective city vision and action plan aimed at improving urban governance and management, increasing  investment to expand employment and services,  and systematic and sustained reductions in urban poverty.   

Achieving this overall goal will occur through a wide variety of approaches  in different cities around the world, with local and national conditions determining both the chosen approach and the final outcomes.  Notwithstanding  local differences,  the Cities Alliance  places great emphasis on the lead being taken by the city itself, with the urban poor and local business leaders actively engaged within a wider participatory process – in short, local ownership of the process is vital.