Title: Inclusive Development Zones: A Model for Supporting the Spontaneous Order of Informal Economies

Author: Michael Castle-Miller

Abstract

This chapter explores the concept of Inclusive Development Zones (IDZs) as a tool for integrating migrants and low-income members of host communities into the formal economy. IDZs represent a new type of special economic zone designed to reduce regulatory barriers that contribute to the growth of informal settlements and economies— such as work permits, identification requirements, business registration, and zoning and building regulations. Drawing upon urban planning and economic theory, as well as real-life case studies, this chapter presents a workable governance structure and business model for an IDZ. Within an IDZ, residents would be empowered to build and own their homes and businesses within a framework of new supporting regulations, infrastructure, and services. Under this model, IDZs would be financially self-sustaining and an effective means of enabling migrants and informal settlers to become self-sufficient and contribute more to the economies around them.

Keywords

Inclusive Development Zones; Informal Settlements; Informal Economies; Land Value Capture; Land Tenure; Special Economic Zones; Global Migration; Refugees; Institutional Design; Economic Development; Urban Planning; Human Rights; Free Global Cities; Free Global City