In an age of austerity and with funding in short supply, governments must make difficult choices about where to focus infrastructure spend. Balancing the aspirations of a nation with the need for true social benefit is not an easy challenge.

In this year’s report, a global panel of independent industry experts identifies 100 of the world’s most inspirational and innovative infrastructure projects, many of which are expected to transform the way the world’s populations interact with their cities, governments and environment. One of these projects is the Auckland Most Livable City plan.

The Auckland Plan
Location: New Zealand
Estimated value: unknown

This shared vision to create the world’s most liveable city takes a holistic approach in order to address transport and housing shortages, create more jobs and protect the environment. The plan includes a city rail link, a green expansion strategy, and social housing and schools. This approach brings together communities, government, businesses, educational institutions, social agencies, developers and financiers.

The report also highlights key trends driving infrastructure investment in key markets around the world and demonstrates how governments are coming together with the private sector to overcome funding constraints in order to finance and build projects that can improve quality of life – both solving immediate needs and planning for future societal demands.