5 cities show what urban transformation really looks like

Dec 17, 2018

New skyscrapers under construction are pictured in Istanbul April 10, 2015. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan dreams of transforming Istanbul into a financial hub that can rival Dubai or Singapore, but first he needs to win over would-be investors. Market participants say interest from small investors is on the wane, thanks to higher fees and as new flotations fail to spark interest. That's bad news for an exchange that relies on retail investors for much of its liquidity. It also raises questions about the viability of the government's drive to make Istanbul a global top-10 financial hub. Picture taken April 10, 2015. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - GF10000054907

More people live in cities than ever before, presenting huge challenges to urban planning. Image: REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Madeleine Galvin

Research Assistant, WRI Ross Center For Sustainable Cities

Anne Maassen

Urban Innovation & Finance Associate, WRI Ross Center For Sustainable Cities

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SARSAI improves road safety for one of the most at-risk populations in the world: school children in African megacities. Image: Sala Lewis/Amend

Cable car stations have helped attract new investment – both public and private – in long-neglected neighborhoods. Image: Metro de Medellín

SARSAI makes infrastructure improvements at strategic locations around schools, but they also work directly with students to teach safe behavior. Image: Edward Echwalu/Amend

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Between 6,000 and 9,000 informal vendors ply their wares at the markets in Warwick Junction Image: Jonathan Torgovnik/Amend

Most of SWaCH’s more than 3,000 members are women and Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”), who have gone from outcasts to valuable service providers. Image: Brodie Lewis/SWaCH Pune Seva Sahakari Sanstha

An extensive electric tram network is part of a broader effort to reduce car congestion and pollution in Eskisehir’s city center. Image: Eskisehir Metropolitan Municipality

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