This 2012 Independent Evaluation of the Cities Alliance assessed the overall relevance and effectiveness of the Cities Alliance and the extent to which it has achieved program objectives.
The evaluation concluded that Cities Alliance is a unique platform for international urban development cooperation bringing together key actors, including bilateral donors, multilateral organizations, associations and NGOs. Although at the time of evaluation the new business model had only been operational for a short period of time, the evaluation found that the reform process strengthened the organization considerably. This included improving the coherence of effort between members and other partners and the introduction of the Country Programme.
The Country Programme Model was assessed to have potential in establishing new ways of organizing urban development cooperation by: increasing ownership and leadership of cities and countries; multi-donor/partner programming; involving slum dwellers and urban poor; focusing on long term support; leveraging investments; a clearer governance structure; and, a more focused and innovative knowledge production through JWP and potentially through the catalytic fund.
Key evaluation recommendations related to continuing the current strategy and broadening the membership, elaborating a corporate results framework and a monitoring and evaluation framework.
