Data-driven municipal planning

Connective Cities’ working group ‘Local development strategies’ is supporting municipalities in the MENA region to embark on their process of local strategic planning. With the aim of formulating local development strategies, this process involves data collection, engagement with community stakeholders, collaboration between municipal departments and accurate needs assessment. Data collection in particular has been identified as a major impediment in devising local development strategies that respond to the current needs of the local communities. Taking the first steps towards establishing up-to-date robust municipal database presents an opportunity for making informed planning decisions that are evidence-based.