Urban Audit (UA)
The Urban Audit, which provides a snapshot of the levels and quality of the services and infrastructure that the city provides, is typically carried out in parallel and in concentration with MFSA. Its main objectives are the gathering of baseline information of the existing location and condition of infrastructure and services, the identification of patterns of urbanization and pockets of poverty and underserviced areas, and the spatial location and quantification of the gaps, leading to the identification of a priority investment program.
The added value of an Urban Audit is that it should be carried out with:
(1) a full knowledge of the absorptive financial capacity of the municipality based on the findings of the MFSA (reality check); and
(2) with citizen participation in the screening process of priority investments.
The two self-assessments or audits lay the groundwork for a detailed Municipal Program or Contract that includes both a Municipal Finances Improvement Plan and a Priority Investments Plan.