At a time when the slow pace of economic recovery and continuing reductions in state and federal assistance underscore our need for strong leadership in financial management, this volume offers a deeper understanding of financial theory and practice for its own sake.

This series is designed to cover all aspects of sound financial management for local governments in developed and developing countries and economies in transition. Concepts of good governance, transparency and accountability are woven into the text of every chapter, and the needs and potential obstacles to greater decentralization and democracy are highlighted. Each volume is self-contained with its own Trainer's Guide, exercises and web resources. Chapters are divided into basic and advanced concepts and the detailed relationship of each topic to the others covered in the series is explained.

This manual aims to present a broad coverage of urban finance, and describe the techniques of urban financial analysis. The manual is designed to provide only the core material for courses on urban financial management and should be supplemented with material relating to the specific conditions of the countries of the participants. This manual is divided into four chapters. Chapter one provides an overview of key issues in urban finance and introduces a framework for urban financial analysis; chapter 2 focuses on revenues and addresses the questions of how and from where government authorities can mobilize the resources required to finance the provision of urban services and the development and maintenance of urban infrastructure; chapter 3 examines expenditure analysis and addresses the question of how to spend more wisely; and chapter 4 discusses private participation in the delivery of urban services, forms of private sector involvement, and the role of nongovernment organizations and community groups. The report closes with a case study on private participation in public services and functions (solid waste disposal) in Malaysia.