Robert M. Buckley

Why is productivity higher in cities? Does urbanization cause growth or does growth cause urbanization? Do countries achieve rapid growth or high incomes without urbanization? How can policy makers reap the benefits of urbanization without paying too high a cost? Does supporting urbanization imply neglecting rural areas? Why do so few governments welcome urbanization? What should governments do to improve housing conditions in cities as they urbanize? Are innovations in housing finance a blessing or a curse for developing countries? How will governments finance the trillions of dollars of infrastructure spending needed for cities in developing countries? First in a series of thematic volumes, this book was prepared for the Commission on Growth and Development to evaluate the state of knowledge of the relationship between urbanization and economic growth. It does not pretend to provide all the answers, but it does identify insights and policy levers to help countries make urbanization work as part of a national growth strategy. Written by prominent academics in their fields, ""Urbanization and Growth"" seeks to create a better understanding of the role of urbanization in growth and to inform policy makers tackling the formidable challenges it poses.

While the economies of Europe and Central Asia (ECA) have spiraled downward over the past decade, they have made some progress in other spheres. Civil liberties and democracy are taking root in many of the ECA countries, and new opportunities are being created and exploited as the region opens to the global economy. For most ECA countries, however, the transition process remains fragile. The urban areas have been hit hardest. The closing of state industries and excessive urbanization have left cities impoverished in many of the former socialist countries. This phenomenon contrasts sharply with developing countries where poverty predominates in the rural areas. With poverty reduction as the Bank's main mission, focus on urban poverty in transition economies is imperative. 'From Commissars to Mayors' examines the effects of the past socialist policies on the way the cities in transition economies function today. It considers the principal concerns for city management and proposes action plans to achieve a more equitable, sustainable economic environment. It also identifies priorities and strategies for the region and for the World Bank.