City Managers' Association Gujarat (CMAG) is a membership-based association of municipal bodies of Gujarat and institutions/individuals in the field of urban governance. CMAG provides a common platform to the "City Managers" to interact, exchange information and channelise their efforts to achieve common goals. Also, it acts as a nodal agency to carry out various programs to strengthen local governance.

Today in India out of the 29 states, Gujarat is one of the few leading industrialized states witnessing high economic growth. As a result, cities are growing at tremendous rates. Significant changes are visible in the sphere of urban finance and in the levels of awareness and participation among various sections in citizenry. The financial situation of the major cities has improved vastly, mainly due to increased efficiency of collection of Octroi. Sources of non-tax revenues are also being explored. For example, Ahmedabad is the first city in South-Asia to have issued Municipal bonds. The improved financial situation of the municipalities has enabled them to invest more in public services.

Today, there is a much greater understanding and acceptance of the role of cities in economic growth. Awareness level regarding city-planning issues has improved, and this is reflected in the increased involvement of NGOs and the private sector. Municipal Corporations in Gujarat have successfully launched many urban development initiatives, which involve public-private partnerships; these include projects which range from sponsored litterbins to slum development, and redesigning of streets. All these changes have helped to create a conductive atmosphere in Gujarat for constructive work in cities.