Making Cities Work for Everyone
The Urban Management Centre (UMC) is a women-led, not-for-profit organisation with a mission to Make Cities Work for Everyone. Since 1997, we have worked to strengthen local governance through technical support, policy formulation and implementation, and targeted capacity building ensuring that cities are more inclusive, efficient, and resilient.
UMC is part of the UMC Group of Organisations, which includes the Urban Management Centre (non-profit) and Urban Management Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (for-profit). Together, we bring a unique blend of developmental and professional expertise to address complex urban challenges. The group was established as the South Asia project office of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and registered as an independent entity in 2005. We continue to serve as an affiliate partner to ICMA, offering global perspectives tailored to local needs.
We collaborate closely with the Government of India, various State Governments, and international donor organisations to co-create sustainable urban solutions. Our team comprises professionals from diverse social, economic, and geographic backgrounds, and we take pride in being an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. At UMC, we foster a culture of equity, inclusion, and purpose-driven innovation, building cities that truly work for everyone.
Our Leadership
At UMC, leadership is more than just strategy—it's about mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering people. Led by our Founder and Director Manvita Baradi and Deputy Director Meghna Malhotra, the team is driven by a shared vision: building cities that are inclusive, resilient, and well-governed.
Our culture values trust, agility, and purpose. From guiding national sanitation policies to strengthening local governance systems, our leaders bring passion, integrity, and decades of experience to every partnership.
Meet the people who help make cities work better for everyone.
Key Milestones Over 25 Years
Over the last two and a half decades, UMC has evolved from a city management initiative to a trusted partner for governments and global development agencies. Our journey is marked by bold ideas, lasting collaborations, and scalable impact.
From institutionalising WASH benchmarks at the national level to introducing tech-driven platforms like SHWAS and leading climate action efforts in Chennai, each milestone reflects our deep commitment to making cities more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.
Our Timeline
