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For most of human history, people lived on the edge of survival. In the past two centuries, we have miraculously moved towards far greater prosperity through transformations, above all, in cities. Urbanization holds the potential of transforming the developing world. While the transition from farm to city is filled with economic, social, and political promises, urbanization also poses enormous challenges-the breakdown of public services, congestion, pollution, and crime. With the right policies cities can lead transformative change-providing jobs, creating prosperity, and lifting millions out of poverty.What policies can help harness this unprecedented urbanization and address the vast inequalities of access and opportunity that cities present today? What makes cities more competitive? This book answers these and other important questions.