Introduction to Charter Cities | While urbanization has significantly slowed in the Global North, urbanization continues apace in much of the Global South. The new urban residents concentrated overwhelmingly in the Global South often lack effective governance and infrastructure. The choices made about how new urban spaces are constructed and governed will have ramifications for generations to come. As such, it is essential to “get things right” now, before such new urban spaces are filled and change becomes significantly more difficult. We believe charter cities—new cities with a special jurisdiction to create a new governance system focused on enabling economic development—are an important tool in ensuring those participating in the final wave of urbanization have the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their children.
