The IncluCity initiative aims to address this with tools to combat poverty, empower vulnerable groups, and fortify community resilience in urban areas. Strengthening economic outcomes and equalizing opportunities is a valuable way to ensure climate impacts will not inordinately affect the poorest members of society.

A City Score Card as well as an Inclusivity Index have been developed by the IncluCity Program. These assessment techniques are being piloted in three countries, and will continue to be revised and improved as monitoring and evaluation for the projects progresses. These build on the UNCDF’s experience in inclusive local finance and development. By using qualitative and quantitative methodology, a more comprehensive understanding of the problems facing cities can serve as a guide for investments going into the future.

The City Score Card is used to rank cities based on inclusion criteria, and provide guidance to municipalities for bridging the gap between inclusion goals and finance agenda. Criteria areas are basic needs, economic inclusion, social inclusion, security and justice, consultative integrated planning and budgeting, and city leadership and management. Beyond these categories are further indicators, which assess the equality, opportunity, safety, and infrastructure of a city to determine where it stands in terms of inclusion of all groups. This can help identify cities, municipalities, and slum settlements that are most in need of a revamped inclusion agenda, as well as strengthen local leadership and plans.