Survey reveals housing affordability and access a top priority for urban leaders

Planning consultancy agency Urbis have launched the findings of their biennial Metropolis Leaders Survey, which gathers sentiment key points from city-shaping our bodies throughout the nation.

Now in its second iteration, the survey collected knowledge from over 200 senior executives working inside authorities, enterprise, academia and community-based organisations. Urbis surveyed and performed interviews with Jen Williams, CEO of Committee for Brisbane; Dale Connor, CEO of Lendlease; Eamon Waterford, CEO of Committee for Sydney; and Matt Collins, CEO of Planning Institute of Australia; amongst others.

The survey’s insights construct upon the 2022 post-pandemic launch, which foreshadowed rising issues across the escalating housing disaster. This yr’s survey demonstrates rising pessimism across the capability to rectify the systemic points that produce cities’ ongoing vulnerabilities.

In line with the survey, “In 2024, metropolis leaders are calling for course correction, as declining web sentiment throughout financial, environmental and social outcomes over the following two years is heightened by pervasive issues about lowering housing affordability, rising cost-of-living and sluggish financial progress.”

Compared with the 2022 survey, housing and inhabitants challenges overtook respondents’ issues for sustaining financial progress and competitiveness, with 9 in ten metropolis leaders figuring out housing affordability and entry as the largest problem to beat. This sentiment was constant throughout non-public and public sectors, nonetheless non-public organisations expressed 50 % extra concern about financial progress and competitiveness, and with it, declining productiveness and funding in innovation.

Leaders additionally expressed much less concern about tackling local weather change and sustainable growth, exhibiting a shift in priorities in direction of points – similar to speedy inhabitants progress and rising rates of interest – which have exacerbated housing provide points. “Navigating technological disruption” held its place on the backside of the pile of challenges.

“Regardless of these uncovered vulnerabilities, cities stay the place individuals need to stay and the place future alternative lies. Cities globally are on the frontline of navigating disruptions and function incubators for brand spanking new options that enhance dwelling requirements for all – Australia isn’t any totally different,” the discharge reads.

James Tuma, managing companion at Urbis, commented, “Our cities are resilient and stuffed with potential. By leveraging data-driven insights, fostering collaboration, and embracing forward-thinking methods, we are able to create vibrant, inclusive city environments. The dedication of metropolis leaders, companies, and communities offers us confidence that we are able to construct a affluent future for all.”

The survey could be considered in full on-line.