Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 29 - Financing city resilience

Dive into the heart of urban resilience and climate finance in this thought-provoking episode of the Urban Exchange podcast, where hosts Paul Wilson, Chair of the Advisory Board at Smart Cities World. and Nate Echeverria, North America Engagement Lead, Resilient Cities Network, are joined by Roland White, Global Lead for City Finance and Management at the World Bank. Together, they unravel the complex web of city-level financing, exploring why cities are increasingly at the forefront of the global climate agenda – and what it will take for them to drive transformative change.

From the bustling innovation hubs of North America to rapidly urbanising regions in Asia and Africa, this episode delves into the real-world challenges cities face in securing the investment needed for climate resilience. Why is there such a massive gap between the infrastructure cities need and the funding they actually receive? What makes private investment in municipal projects so elusive, especially in developing countries? And how do regulatory frameworks, fiscal decentralisation, and local revenue generation shape the ability of cities to chart their own financial futures?

White brings a wealth of global experience to the table, offering candid insights into the successes and setbacks of municipal finance systems around the world. The conversation moves beyond theory, touching on practical examples like the UK’s Cities Climate Investment Commission and the evolving US municipal bond market, while also addressing the risks of municipal bankruptcy and the critical importance of robust regulatory systems.

The discussion doesn’t stop at challenges. Find out about innovative solutions – such as credit enhancement facilities and targeted technical assistance – that could help cities become more attractive to private investors and better prepared to deliver on ambitious climate goals. The episode also spotlights the rising influence of cities in international forums like COP, and the growing recognition that local action is essential for global progress.

Tune in to discover not just the obstacles, but the opportunities – and leave with new ideas about how cities can lead the way in the fight against climate change.

 

Find out more about the World Bank and GDFRR's City Resilience Program here.