Urban Collective Action Network (U-CAN)

The temperatures aren’t the only thing rising — April has been a month of action at U-CAN! We awarded our first-ever Request for Collaboration (RFC) grant and hosted our inaugural City Mixers in Bangalore and Mumbai. These efforts, one a formal partnership, the other an informal gathering, reflect two sides of the same coin: a desire to connect, collaborate, and learn. We’ve also launched a brand new Fellowship Corner in this month’s blog, featuring: 🎓 A Masterclass on Urban Planning in India by Dr. Champaka Rajagopal from Centre for Policy Research ✍️ Insightful blogs by U-CAN fellows Ramya M.A and Shubhi Kesarwani Plus: 🏙️ Powerful stories from member organizations: Reap Benefit, Shelter Associates NGO, Janaagraha, and Praja Foundation 📖 A spotlight on community-led urban innovation from around the world in State of Our Cities. We’re eager to hear your thoughts — drop us a message and let’s continue the conversation! #UrbanGovernance #CitiesOfTomorrow #CivicAction #UrbanInnovation #MemberSpotlight #April #UrbanDevelopment Siddharth Pandit Akshay Agarwal Nilay Wankhade Manali Shah Artha Global WRI India C40 Cities eGov Foundation Mahila Housing Trust Omidyar Network Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

Today, we had the opportunity to attend the release of Praja Foundation’s latest report on the Status of Ward Committees in Delhi at the Press Club of India. The report offers a critical look at how these local governance bodies are functioning — and why it matters. With over 2.7 million civic complaints logged between 2017 and 2023, the need for responsive, citizen-centric governance has never been more urgent. Among Praja’s key recommendations: ☑️ A centralized, unified grievance redressal system ☑️ Integrated data management for public services ☑️Regular convening of Ward and Municipal Committees ☑️Systematic action on sewage treatment and air pollution At U-CAN, we see this as a moment to reflect on how institutional reform, civic engagement, and data-driven governance can come together to build more accountable cities. Milind Mhaske Sonam Saigal Meghna Bandelwar Indurkar Shreyas Chorgi Siddharth Pandit #UrbanGovernance #CivicAccountability #LocalDemocracy #PolicyReform #DataDriven #Delhi #DelhiGovernment

With our Mumbai gathering this week, we wrapped up U-CAN’s very first set of in-person mixers — and what a beginning it’s been! Hosted by Artha Global, the Mumbai mixer brought together member organizations for an evening of meaningful dialogue, shared perspectives, and renewed energy. A highlight was our conversation with Dr. Anita Patil-Deshmukh of PUKAR, whose reflections on participatory urban research sparked a rich exchange, with insights from our colleagues Praja Foundation, Shelter Associates NGO and others in the room. Across both mixers we saw the power of thinking out loud with peers who care about the same complex questions and finding collective solutions. The best part? This is just the start. We’ll be hosting U-CAN mixers every month — bringing our community together regularly to learn from one another and share openly. Keep an eye out for more information 👀 Pritika Hingorani Vivek Vaidyanathan Mayura Gadkari Siddharth Pandit

What happens when people tackling urban challenges and reimagining solutions come together in one room? In Bangalore, we found out — and the energy was infectious. ✨ Hosted by the thoughtful team at WRI India, the first-ever U-CAN mixer brought member organisations together for an evening of learning, reflection, and connection. One moment that sparked powerful dialogue: An insightful presentation by Siji Chacko, PhD Chacko from Jan Sahas on placing migrant workers at the heart of climate resilience efforts — timely, grounded, and deeply resonant. 🚀 Next stop: Mumbai, April 14 w/ Artha Global. See you there! #UrbanPractice #CommunityInAction #Bangalore #MigrationAndClimate #LearningTogether

We're taking the collective offline with two member-only mixers — a chance to reconnect, spark ideas, and tap into the kind of energy that only happens when we’re in the same space. 🗓️ When & Where? 📍 Bangalore — 11 April 2025 📍 Mumbai — 14 April 2025 ✨ What’s in store? 💬 Speed networking (yes, the fun kind!) 🎭 Culture showcases from our hosts 🏙️ Inspiring stories from urban champions 💡 Idea sprints, daring questions & fresh perspectives Big ideas, dynamic conversations, and brilliant people, we’re looking forward to it all. Catch the highlights here soon! Artha Global WRI India #UrbanChampions #SocialImpact #Networking #Urban #Research #India

The Monthly Wrap – March Edition 💡 Exciting Update: U-CANs monthly newsletter is now on LinkedIn! This month, we’re bringing you updates on: 📌 Our Fellowship Program – how we’re fostering leadership in the urban sector through expert-led and peer learning sessions 📌 State of Our Cities – insights from a new study on extreme heat action plans in India 📌 Member Highlights – conversations on women's public finance leadership and safer streets 📌 Metro Metrics – a look at India’s growing gig workforce 📌 Library Pick – the classic film Gaman, a moving story of migration and urban life 📢 Join the discussion: What stood out to you this month? Share your thoughts in the comments. #UrbanDevelopment #Collaboration #Leadership #TheMonthlyWrap Janaagraha | WRI India | C40 Cities | Centre for Policy Research | eGov Foundation | Indian Institute of Science (IISc) | Artha Global | Mahila Housing Trust | Omidyar Network | Praja Foundation | Reap Benefit | Shelter Associates NGO |

💧Water resilience is a year-round effort! The inspiring women of Amalner, with the support of Mahila Housing Trust, are leading the way - restoring wells, managing water resources, and adopting AI-driven solutions to ensure sustainable and equitable access for thousands. Their leadership highlights the power of community-driven action in tackling water challenges and strengthening climate resilience. 🎬 Watch their powerful story here: https://lnkd.in/ddu7rQXZ #WaterForAll #WomenLeadWater #ClimateResilience #CommunitySolutions

Smart Mobility for a Historic City: Innovating Varanasi’s Urban Core 🚶♂️📊 In Varanasi, city officials explored how crowd data and technology can improve accessibility, congestion management, and pedestrian safety. As part of the Sustainable Cities Challenge (SCC) by the Toyota Mobility Foundation, 10 global innovators joined an Innovator Academy to refine smart mobility solutions for the city’s historic core. With support from WRI India, The Urban Lab, Challenge Works, and Varanasi Smart City, the program is leveraging data visualization, public space insights, and technology to enhance urban movement in Varanasi. From real-time crowd insights to innovative mobility solutions, this initiative is shaping a safer, smarter Varanasi.

Strengthening Urban Governance in Guwahati! 🏛️ Praja Foundation, in collaboration with Guwahati Municipal Corporation, conducted a capacity-building workshop to enhance deliberative processes and improve municipal decision-making. With the Deputy Speaker, Mayor-in-Council members, councillors, and city officials in attendance, the session focused on equipping urban leaders with the tools to drive effective governance and better city management. Empowered city officials lead to stronger cities—one step closer to better urban governance! 💪🏽

Empowering Communities, Beating the Heat! ☀️ In Jodhpur’s slums, women leaders are taking charge of climate resilience! As part of the Jodhpur Heat Action Plan, Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) has trained women across five settlements in applying solar reflective white paint—an affordable and effective passive cooling solution. 💡 750+ households will now experience cooler indoor temperatures, lower energy costs, and better protection against extreme heat. Even more inspiring? These women are leading the change, gaining hands-on skills, and strengthening community resilience.