A. Improved understanding of long-term urban sustainability

Participating cities and communities gain access to an international pool of experts, frameworks and tools related to sustainability. Ultimately, cities and communities contribute their findings to the PLUS Network, creating new knowledge and sharing innovative solutions.Conferences, workshops and peer exchanges permit PLUS Network members to increase their capacity to plan and act on urban sustainability.

B. Improved investor confidence and better risk management

Today, when considering short and long-term risks, foreign investors, governments and donors ask to see how their investment aligns with the city’s longer term development plans. The longer term context helps cities prioritize their projects. Long-term planning eases short-term decision making and renders municipalities more attractive to investors, multilateral lenders, donors and other levels of government.

C. Reduced costs related to planning processes and methodologies

PLUS Network cities can reduce the costs associated with planning and implementation by avoiding expensive investments in consultants, or some of the development costs of tools and frameworks. Practical, efficient and inexpensive sharing of experiences allows PLUS Network members to assess what works and what doesn’t and avoid mistakes made by others.

D. Set the example at international events

PLUS Network members showcase their city or community at high profile events, such as the World Urban Forum and the ICLEI World Congress. The PLUS Network asks cities to report on their projects, and lessons are shared throughout the Network and around the world. Often, these international events mobilise support and resources for cities and countries.

E. Knowledge transfer and international exchanges

Integrated long-term planning, with a focus on sustainability, provides a neutral entry point to build a dialogue across the divides of income, culture and geography. Cities copy one another’s best ideas and big cities learn from smaller cities where innovations may be easier to introduce. Peer exchanges, newsletters and web based dialogues facilitate knowledge transfer from city to city.

F. Benefits that spread to the private sector

Multi-stakeholder processes, which are encouraged by the PLUS Network, ensure that city officials and staff address the needs of the private sector and community groups. Through the Network, consultants and suppliers of professional services and planning tools used by PLUS Network member cities, gain access to a larger international market.