Studies on municipal finance and commercial viability of government housing scheme projects

I led a study of 6 secondary cities in the state of Karnataka to understand their economies and the dynamics of their municipal finances. The aim of the study was to make a set of recommendations to the Government of Karnataka for developing the capacity of secondary cities to enhance revenue generation, and become more self-sufficient in financing their developmental activities.

I also led a series of short projects to support public housing developers in the state in understanding the governance and financial logic of their upcoming and proposed projects. One project focused on pathways to enable Transferable Development Rights (TDR) for slum redevelopment. Another study assessed financial feasibility of affordable housing projects in Bengaluru using a real-estate lens and methodology.

• Report on Sustainable Municipal Finance for Urban Karnataka. Available on this link
• Reports on Karnataka housing scheme projects’ financial feasibility
• Recommendations to mobilize TDR for slum redevelopment

Our recommendations on mobilizing TDR were accepted by the Government of Karnataka, and a suitable amendment to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act has been made. Our report municipal finance has led to several conversations on enhancing secondary cities’ capabilities to generate green jobs, leverage land more fruitfully, and enhance their property taxation regimes.