Universally, the production, maintenance and management of housing have been, and continue to be, market-based activities. Nevertheless, since the mid-twentieth century virtually all governments, socialist and liberal alike, have perceived the need to intervene in urban housing markets in support of low-income households who are denied access to the established (private sector) housing market by their lack of financial resources. Housing in Developing Cities examines the range of strategic policy alternatives that have been employed by state housing agencies to this end. They range from public sector entry into the urban housing market through the direct construction of ('conventional') 'public housing' that is let or transferred to low-income beneficiaries at sub-market rates, to the provision of financial supports (subsidies) and non-financial incentives to private sector producers and consumers of urban housing, and to the administration of ('non-conventional') programmes of social, technical and legislative supports that enable the production, maintenance and management of socially acceptable housing at prices and costs that are affordable to low-income urban households and communities. It concludes with a brief review of the direction that public housing policies have been taking at the start of the 21st century and reflects on 'where next', making a distinction between 'public housing' and 'social housing' strategies and how they can be combined in a 'partnership' paradigm for the 21st century.

Universally, the production, maintenance and management of housing have been, and continue to be, market-based activities. Nevertheless, since the mid-twentieth century virtually all governments, socialist and liberal alike, have perceived the need to intervene in urban housing markets in support of low-income households who are denied access to the established (private sector) housing market by their lack of financial resources. Housing in Developing Cities examines the range of strategic policy alternatives that have been employed by state housing agencies to this end. They range from public sector entry into the urban housing market through the direct construction of ('conventional') 'public housing' that is let or transferred to low-income beneficiaries at sub-market rates, to the provision of financial supports (subsidies) and non-financial incentives to private sector producers and consumers of urban housing, and to the administration of ('non-conventional') programmes of social, technical and legislative supports that enable the production, maintenance and management of socially acceptable housing at prices and costs that are affordable to low-income urban households and communities. It concludes with a brief review of the direction that public housing policies have been taking at the start of the 21st century and reflects on 'where next', making a distinction between 'public housing' and 'social housing' strategies and how they can be combined in a 'partnership' paradigm for the 21st century.

Drawing upon case studies from some twenty different countries, Making Planning Work shows why new urban development and planning skills are needed so urgently, and what can be done to grow such skills and enhance capacities. The guide will focus international attention on the urgent need to increase global understanding of sustainable urban development processes and pro-poor planning practices. It is for all those engaged in the processes of planning and managing towns, cities and settlements: political leaders, professional planners, engineers, architects, lawyers, and many others in national, regional, and local government, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and private sector consultancies and enterprises, all of whom have a vital contribution to making and maintaining sustainable settlements. Making Planning Work demonstrates ways in which professionals and NGOs are creating and delivering innovative responses, often in situations of extremely scarce and conflictive competition for access to resources.Its tone is optimistic, but not utopian. The global challenge of urbanization is daunting, but it shows that imagination and skills can make an impact. In addition to being a stand-alone book, Making Planning Work is also an introduction to an interactive website www.communityplanning.net that enables readers to contribute and discuss their own experiences and ideas.