Jude Kohlhase November 16, 2011

Context / Chronology of Events / Functions / Challenges / Opportunities / Urban Sector Road Map

Context - Facts
Total 180,000 pop.

Urban pop. 35%

GDP 75% Central govt.

Customary laws &

land

Chronology of Events
Colonial attempts to introduce Municipal powers

unsuccessful ADB TAs technical and policy development 2001-03 Planning and Urban Management Agency est. 2002 Legislated in 2004 Involved in statutory nuisance case re noise impact, 2008 Decision challenged regarding procedure, 2011 settled Initiated PUM reform, 2011 two staged approach Decision appealed to Planning Tribunal, 2011

Functions
Planning and Urban Management Act

2004
Spatial planning Project control development consenting

(approvals process) Environmental protection and prevention Statutory nuisance

Urban management

Challenging issues
National vs. urban context Macroeconomic agenda forest for the trees (recognize

and prioritize PUM)

Improving the existing built environment in light of climate

change and disaster management Address current / future urban growth poorly controlled and coordinated.

PUM reforms to improve administration and outcomes Tensions / trade-offs between private interests vs. public

interests (e.g. land rights, long-term outcomes)

Opportunities
Whole of government approaches (sector

collaborations that build on benefits) Responding to climate change through disaster risk reduction initiatives Retrofitting and smart growth planning

Urban Sector Road Map

Urban Governance: peri-urban structure planning Apia Spatial Plan establishes a long-term agenda and articulates a common vision of a desirable future for greater urban Apia City Development Strategy guide planning, design and development through a range of integrated initiatives