Presidency:Melbourne

Vice-presidency:Mexico (State of)

As cities continue to increase in size and complexity, decision-makers and planners need to have increasingly vigorous methods, skills and information to deal effectively with the challenges with which they are presented. A technical approach to information gathering and the measurement of performance can provide clear guidance as to the effectiveness of the strategies and projects of city managers.

Commission 5: Metropolitan Performance Measurement was established in 2002 as a joint Metropolis/UN-HABITAT project to assist cities in developing countries to develop performance measurement systems. The rationale for establishing C5 was that decision-makers need relevant skills and reliable information in order to set priorities and to work towards short- and long-term objectives, and that performance measurement systems can assist in achieving sustainable development outcomes. The Commission is now in its second term and continues its work to develop the necessary expertise and information exchange to aid local authorities to meet the diverse issues facing developing cities.

The Commission works towards this outcome by providing practical technical assistance to a number of cities in developing countries to build their own local capacity to undertake the development of performance measurement systems. This takes the form of expert missions to the relevant cities. An essential aspect of this work is the C5 partnership with the UN-HABITAT Global Urban Observatory in the promotion of Local Urban Observatories (LUOs). The Commission also seeks to create opportunities for information exchange and participation at a wider level through training workshops and seminars.