Crafting Urban Policy Proposals

🌎 Why do some cities thrive while others struggle, even when starting from similar baselines? The OECD - OCDE/ UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) Global State of National Urban Policy 2024 Report, reveals surprising truths about what actually works in urban development: 🔑 Key Insight: Cities do better when they start small, test what works, and scale up successful strategies. Bogotá, where the city experimented with incremental regularization of informal settlements. By combining small-scale infrastructure upgrades—like installing water lines—with community engagement, they created a model that could be scaled as it proved effective. This method avoided the pitfalls of blanket bans on informal housing and instead provided a practical, step-by-step solution. Another example is São Paulo’s use of land value capture mechanisms. The city initially tested these tools on a limited scale—targeting specific redevelopment areas—before rolling them out more broadly. The transparent process and measurable reinvestment of funds into public infrastructure helped build confidence and allowed the policy to gain traction. In Barcelona, pilot programs were used to refine inclusionary zoning rules. By testing different incentive structures for developers—like density bonuses tied to affordable housing targets—they discovered approaches that worked better before applying them citywide. The key was starting small, tracking the outcomes, and adjusting before scaling up. When it comes to urban land policy, flexible inclusionary zoning has proven more effective than rigid mandates. Bogotá’s gradual regularization of informal settlements alongside targeted infrastructure investments, which enhanced livability without driving up housing costs. Instead of picking an extreme—like full deregulation or heavy restrictions—focus on concrete steps: use pilot programs to refine inclusionary zoning policies, establish transparent land value capture systems, and incrementally regularize informal settlements while investing in basic infrastructure. By measuring outcomes and continuously adjusting, policymakers can build a stronger foundation for urban success. What other examples can we share on an incremental, data-driven approach to urban policy? #UrbanPlanning #SmartCities #Innovation #Housing #UrbanDevelopment #PolicyInnovation #FutureOfCities #DataDrivenPolicy

Food for Thought! About the Toulmin Model in Urban Development Urban development, housing markets and architecture are complex fields where numerous interests converge. Structured argumentation is essential for making informed decisions and building consensus amongst all stakeholders. The effectiveness of new residential areas, city centre transformations or sustainable building projects largely depends on how clear and well-founded the arguments are. The Toulmin model of argumentation provides a practical framework for this. Bringing structure to complex considerations Decisions in the sector are influenced by economic viability, social cohesion, environmental effects and aesthetic considerations. The Toulmin model helps address these factors systematically by clarifying how factual data leads to conclusions (claims) through logical justification (warrant). A concrete example: new infrastructure begins with analysis of current traffic flows (data), followed by expectations about improved circulation and liveability (claim), supported by traffic models and expert assessments (warrant). Importance of solid backing A crucial component of the Toulmin model is concrete backing. Statements about urban densification, housing programmes or circular building concepts must be supported by hard data. Consider demographic analyses, housing supply and demand research, or lifecycle analyses of materials. Without this backing, policy proposals lack persuasive power and risk poor choices. Recognising exceptions strengthens argumentation The model also emphasises the importance of possible rebuttals or exceptions. Densification is often presented as a solution to housing shortages, but in certain locations this can lead to less green space or increased traffic. By acknowledging these exceptions, argumentation becomes more credible and creates more nuanced debate. The degree of certainty can also be indicated with qualifiers such as "probably" or "under normal circumstances". This creates realistic expectations amongst all parties. More transparent decision-making The Toulmin model ensures a systematic approach where claims are carefully supported, justifications are made explicit and objections are considered. This leads to more transparent and effective planning in urban environments. The result is not only better decisions, but also greater support from citizens and stakeholders. Structured argumentation thus forms the basis for sustainable urban development that addresses the complexity of contemporary challenges. #UrbanDevelopment #HousingMarket #Architecture #PolicyMaking #ToulminModel #Argumentation #Planning #RealEstate #SustainableBuilding #DecisionMaking

Rethinking Urban Planning with Nature-Based Solutions Urban areas across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges — from climate change impacts like heatwaves and floods to increasing social inequalities. As an urban planner, I’ve been reflecting on how our cities need to evolve, and I came across an insightful guide: *Planning, Designing, and Monitoring of Nature-based Solutions — Guidelines to Urban Transformations* by @INTERLACE. This guide emphasizes a structured, modular approach to integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) into urban planning. What stands out is its focus on adaptability, justice, and inclusivity — principles we urgently need in Pakistan’s urban landscape. A few key takeaways: - Decision Framing: Understanding the local policy context and defining urban challenges lays the groundwork for successful NBS integration. - Co-Creation: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures that solutions are rooted in local knowledge and community needs. - Spatial Vulnerability Assessment: Mapping environmental and social vulnerabilities helps prioritize NBS interventions where they’re needed most. - Design & Monitoring: Crafting site-specific solutions and continuously evaluating their impact creates resilient, future-proof urban spaces. The guide also highlights inspiring case studies from cities like Krakow, Granollers, and Portoviejo, where these principles have shaped more sustainable urban futures. Pakistan, with its rapidly urbanizing landscape, can learn a lot from such approaches. Imagine cities where green corridors cool our streets, urban wetlands mitigate floods, and public spaces foster community ties — all while restoring nature. Urban planners, policymakers, and communities must come together to champion such solutions. Let’s embrace the transformative power of nature in shaping resilient, inclusive, and livable cities. #UrbanPlanning #NatureBasedSolutions #SustainableCities #ResilientFuture #CommunityEngagement

It was great to speak with James Nation, the former Deputy Director of the 10 Downing Street Policy Unit, to get his thoughts on what gets policy unstuck. His key points: 1️⃣ Focus on tangible impact metrics, not big headline numbers. To get the attention of political advisors, prioritise the tangible benefits of your policy proposals (like job creation or meeting manifesto commitments), rather than over-indulging on large/questionable economic estimates. 2️⃣ Understand the constraints on government. The effective campaigner knows the constraints (political, financial, etc.) on government and works within them to secure the best possible outcome given the context. Empathise with political advisors and work with them, not against them. 3️⃣ Small is beautiful. Small, targeted interventions with clear implementation plans are much more likely to be taken forward than grand and/or abstract proposals. Read his thoughts in full here: https://lnkd.in/e_3YZdRz