NEWS

         

At Metropolis, we recognize the importance of fostering urban financing initiatives. Cities and metropolises play a key role in delivering services to their inhabitants, which means municipal projects have a significant impact on urban development. That's precisely why Metropolis organizes initiatives such as the Urban Financing Forum and the Investment Forum for Sustainable Metropolises—platforms where ambitious municipal projects meet potential investors, creating the conditions for vital dialogues that can evolve into concrete funding opportunities.

The Urban Financing Forum took place on May 13 in Riyadh during the  Arab European Cities Dialogue (AECD), bringing together cities and financial institutions in a focused, results-oriented setting. From nearly forty project submissions, we selected eight standout initiatives for this edition. Each city had ten minutes to present their proposal directly to development banks, specialized funds and finance corporations, followed by immediate feedback from these institutions.

This session offered cities a unique triple opportunity: to forge direct connections with potential funders, to learn from financing experts on how to successfully secure funding, and to discover innovative urban solutions that address similar local challenges. In this spirit, we would like to share these eight projects as examples of innovative initiatives to improve urban life:

1. Extension of Tramway Line 4 by Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, France

A public transport expansion project that will create a new tramway corridor linking key districts—business areas, shopping centers, and transport terminals—to reduce car dependency, alleviate traffic congestion, and foster a more sustainable and accessible urban environment.

2. Zero Waste Project and Beautification of the City by Ville de Djibouti, Djibouti

An integrated action plan to enhance livability and climate resilience by tackling waste management challenges and regenerating urban areas. Measures include enforcing anti-dumping regulations, upgrading sanitation, restoring green spaces, and conducting public awareness campaigns and capacity-building for municipal staff.

3. Municipal Solid Waste Sorting Plant by Ramallah Municipality, Palestine (Metropolis member)

Construction of a facility designed to optimize the management of approximately 350 tons of daily waste through improved collection, sorting, and processing systems. This will reduce long-distance transportation needs, strengthen local waste management infrastructure, and promote sustainable practices across the community.

4. Red Mill Restoration by Primăria Municipiului Chișinău, Moldova (Metropolis member)

A cultural heritage project focused on preserving and repurposing a Chisinau industrial heritage building into a Creative Hub. This will integrate the structure into the city’s creative industries network, providing flexible spaces for exhibitions, co-working, and workshops to enhance artistic collaboration and community engagement.

5. Madrid Nuevo Norte by Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Spain (Metropolis member)

A major and comprehensive urban regeneration initiative that will transform 2.3 million m² of former railway and industrial land into a sustainable, mixed-use district. The project will enhance infrastructure, integrate public transport and green spaces, and deliver new residential, cultural, and public facilities, contributing to job creation and long-term development.

6. Humanizing Streets 6 & 8 by Eastern Province Municipality, Saudi Arabia 

A redevelopment project aimed at upgrading infrastructure and public spaces along two key streets. It addresses pedestrian and cyclist safety, reduces car dependency, incorporates green areas, preserves local cultural elements, and encourages community participation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

7. Towards a Bicycle-Friendly Erbil City by Erbil Governorate, Iraq

An initiative to develop safe and accessible cycling infrastructure within the urban fabric. By addressing the lack of dedicated cycling lanes, safety concerns, and cultural barriers, the project aims to promote cycling as an efficient and healthy mode of transport, reduce traffic congestion, and improve overall urban life quality.

8. Regional Climate Adaptation Fund by Region de Nouakchott, Mauritania (Metropolis member)

This initiative proposes the implementation of a fund dedicated to supporting sustainable urban solutions—such as solar public lighting, improved transport services for remote communities, urban agriculture, and enhanced water access—by fostering collaboration among local authorities, sectoral ministries, and strategic partners.