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.