Urban Dynamics recently attended the launch of the 3rd Edition of the State of the Cities Report, by the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance& Traditional Affairs, Mr. Yunus Carrim . This well-profiled event took place at the Turbine Hall in Newton, Johannesburg on 20 & 21 April 2011.The summit focused on area-based management functions and capacity that cities have developed in South Africa. Specific deligate teams were tasked with facilitating development at precinct or neighbourhood scale in the geographic areas in which they work. These development facilitation functions can be defined as the actions required to ensure that development objectives and outcomes are articulated and accepted by all area stakeholders, and that stakeholders accept responsibility for, and take steps to, achieve the common vision. Notably in most SA cities, this development facilitation role and function is not adequately defined and funded, which certainly warrants deeper examination. Further to this, interactive discussions between various participant were held around other relevant and exciting industry topics including:

• A vision of human(e) settlements;
• Housing in South Africa;
• Perspectives from Development Agencies;
• Municipal Finance, The Built Environment and Sustainable Cities.

Urban Dynamics is committed to contribute positively to the on-going debate on the transformation of SA Cities and particiapate as a recognized  leader in the field of developmental planning. Attendance of such a summit certainly goes a long way to strengthening our belief in rendering a holistic approach and innovative thinking which has enabled many a successfully completed developments and delivering relevant and innovative planning solutions.