This situational analysis of metropolitan Port-au-Prince gives a thorough background to the city's situation in terms of urban development and planning, and presents a way forward for future planning of the metropolitan area. It argues that the main stakeholder for any urban development intervention should be the state, more precisely the municipalities. The municipalities in Port-au-Prince need support in planning and delivering basic services. Institutional capacity building is vital for alleviating the current lack of service delivery to urban residents. Community involvement and the coordination of different stakeholders are key components for sustainable results. Any interventions must be planned on a long-term basis, yet still deliver short-term gains so that the necessary support can be harnessed.