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Creating Safe, Cohesive and Resilient Cities through Urban Planning & Design: Ten Considerations for Mayors and Local Governments

Last updated:

28/11/2024

Publication Date:

27/11/2024

Content Type:

Policy Briefs

Introduction 

The increasing pace of urbanisation presents cities worldwide with unprecedented challenges and opportunities regarding the safety and well-being of their communities. Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities and this number is expected to rise to approximately two-thirds by 2050, concentrating diverse populations into densely populated spaces. Rapid and often unplanned migration to urban centres intensifies the demands on housing and basic services, putting pressure on local resources and often leading to inadequate infrastructure, conditions for the spread of diseases, spatial inequality and heightened social tensions.  

The challenges accompanying urban growth intersect with other complex global challenges, such as climate change, migration and conflict, making cohesive, sustainable and smart planning essential to build urban resilience. This forms a critical, but often overlooked, component of a whole-of-city effort to prevent hate and extremism from taking root in communities and mitigate their impact on social cohesion when they do. Moreover, urbanisation has brought spatial and socio-economic inequalities into sharper focus, with marginalised communities often relegated to less-developed parts of the city where access to essential resources and opportunities is limited. The absence of affordable housing, combined with inadequate social services, sanitation, electricity, water and electricity, increases the risk of informal settlements not being integrated into formal urban systems. This can fuel community tensions and create further barriers for city officials to bridge economic and social divides.

At the same time, the lack of inclusive public spaces that serve the needs of all communities and groups, including women, youth, and communities living in poverty, poses a challenge to social cohesion and dissatisfaction with public services and institutions. Left unaddressed, these inequalities can contribute to long-term instability and social fragmentation, creating conditions conducive to the recruitment of individuals to extremist and other malign groups and to the hateful narratives and propaganda they perpetuate.

Cities are often a refuge for communities affected by natural disasters and violent conflict. This influx of residents and a rising local population contributes to urbanisation, requiring cities to adopt innovative planning strategies that prioritise growth, inclusion and sustainability. In this context, local governments are increasingly becoming centres for urban policy development and implementation, responsible for aligning local needs and priorities with national and international goals, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda, both of which emphasise the need for inclusive, safe and sustainable urban environments. 

Local governments are uniquely positioned to address the specific needs and characteristics of urban populations, tailoring solutions to local contexts and fostering community involvement. Additionally, beyond responding to current needs, they are instrumental in building resilient, future-ready communities. Through integrated urban planning, cities can shape growth in a way that reduces inequality, strengthens community bonds and positions urban areas as drivers of sustainable development, ultimately contributing to more cohesive and thriving urban landscapes.

Strong Cities, through its engagement with cities across its membership and beyond, has identified ten considerations for mayors and local governments looking for guidance on mitigating immediate urban growth challenges while laying the groundwork for resilient and cohesive urban environments in the long term, all of which forms an essential component of a whole-of-city effort to prevent and respond to hate, extremism and polarisation. While the specific examples cited in this article may not be appropriate for all contexts, they illustrate approaches that may inspire and support.

Strong Cities recognises the valuable work that various national, regional and international partners continue to deliver to support urban planning and design for sustainable and resilient cities. Rather than duplicating these efforts, Strong Cities is focusing its efforts on helping cities leverage urban planning and design as a tool to enhance social cohesion, reduce polarisation and alleviate some of the conditions that can create fertile ground for hate and extremism to take root in communities. In short, as cities look to strengthen existing or develop new approaches to prevention, they should note the role that urban planning and design can play in and the contributions that experts in these fields can make to advancing them.

The views expressed and examples cited in this policy brief do not necessarily reflect those of Strong Cities members, partner organisations or sponsors of the Network’s mission.

Ten Considerations for Mayors and Cities for Creating Safe, Cohesive and Resilient Cities

1. Adopt Inclusive Spatial Planning for Equitable Access to Housing, Services and Socio-Economic Inclusion

To create socially cohesive urban areas and communities, cities should prioritise inclusive spatial planning that ensures access to affordable housing, essential services and socio-economic opportunities. Inclusive planning involves designing policies that enable a diverse population to live, work and access services within proximity, helping to prevent marginalisation and crime, and creating neighbourhoods that are both economically and socially integrated. This includes ensuring the affordability and accessibility of local investments in urban growth and equitable benefits for city residents. In addition to economic disparities, inclusive spatial planning should integrate considerations such as human rights, gender, age and disability to understand and address concrete community needs.

Inclusive planning starts with addressing housing needs, especially in rapidly urbanising cities where the demand for housing outstrips supply, leading to informal settlements or overcrowded living conditions without easy access to basic services. These conditions not only diminish the quality of life but also amplify social divides.

Cities can prevent such issues by promoting affordable housing initiatives, integrating low-income housing in mixed-income neighbourhoods and providing land tenure security. In line with this, Vienna (Austria) has implemented a model that prioritises affordable public housing and integrates different income groups within the same districts, fostering social cohesion and preventing the isolation of disadvantaged communities. Boise (Idaho, USA) updated its zoning code to move away from investing in urban renewal projects that gentrify neighbourhoods to focus on addressing urban decay, including by developing mechanism to ensure residents are not priced out of their neighbourhoods.

However, only 13% of cities in the world offer affordable housing. Hence, cities need to build partnerships to create frameworks, raise funds and leverage existing resources to supply affordable housing. For example, some cities in Africa have partnered with international development organisations and the private sector to leverage innovative technologies, such as 3D printing, to address housing shortages. Kilifi (Kenya) is the beneficiary of the largest 3D-printing affordable housing project on the continent, with the 52 new housing units known as Mvule Gardens.

City Practice: Vienna (Austria)

Vienna’s commitment to affordable housing has resulted in more than 50% of the city’s residents living in subsidised housing, with nearly half of the residential units owned by the local government or through cooperative agreements. This has reduced stigma around social housing not only because many of its residents live under these schemes, but also because of the quality of the communal buildings. The local government maintains high architectural and environmental standards for its social housing, which enhances residents’ sense of pride and ownership. Residents have access to communal facilities and green spaces that support a higher quality of life, contributing to social and physical well-being.

Eligibility for this programme is broad, allowing middle-income earners to qualify, unlike many cities where social housing is restricted to the lowest-income residents. This broader eligibility has created a socially diverse population in Vienna’s social housing units, helping to reduce socio-economic divides.

Transportation networks are particularly important for community well-being, especially in mid-size and large cities. Research in 16 US cities found that disparities in transit services result in a cyclical disadvantage, as lower-income residents have less access to diverse economic opportunities within a reasonable travel time, further limiting social mobility and exacerbating segregation. The City of Medellín (Colombia) has used urban planning and equitable transport solutions to achieve greater socio-economic inclusion. The city’s MetroCable — a cable car system providing affordable access to the city’s remote communities — connects previously isolated areas with the city centre, opening up employment, educational and cultural opportunities. This integration, together with other local development initiatives, has not only improved the quality of life but also contributed to reduced crime rates and social inequalities.

Socio-economic inclusion is another core pillar of inclusive spatial planning. Creating economic opportunities within or near residential areas can improve access to employment and reduce the financial burdens associated with commuting. For example, cities can promote mixed-use zoning that combines residential, commercial and industrial areas within environmental standards. This approach helps to create localised job opportunities and brings services closer to residential areas, fostering economic self-sufficiency within communities. In Indonesia, Jakarta’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) approach includes a significant focus on economic inclusion in developing affordable housing, including building housing units within walking distance of public transport and commercial areas. Since the policy was launched in 2012, there has been an increase in commuters in TOD areas making them more attractive for businesses, and the model aims to increase the share of people living near transit to 70% by 2030, supporting broader economic inclusion goals.

2. Utilise Participatory Urban Planning to Engage Residents

Participatory urban planning involves actively engaging communities in decision-making processes that shape their environment. This approach ensures that urban development reflects the needs and aspirations of residents, fostering trust, local ownership and strengthening social cohesion. It is structured around community involvement, multi-stakeholder collaboration and responsive feedback systems, which together foster an inclusive and accountable approach to urban development.

Community involvement should include more than just consultation. It means empowering residents to actively engage in decision-making processes, shaping their environment to reflect their needs and preferences. By directly involving community members, urban plans are more likely to address the issues that matter most to those living and working within a city. For instance, in one of its largest informal settlement upgrade projects – Mukuru Special Planning Area – the County Government of Nairobi (Kenya) incorporated a two-year participatory planning process to develop an innovative area-based upgrading plan which prevents the displacement of residents. In collaboration with civil society, the project included a community consultation process in which more than 5,000 residents participated. This process to Makuru’s marginalised communities, allowing them to assert themselves as key actors in urban planning and design.

The City of Los Angeles (California, USA), has also implemented multiple participatory urban planning initiatives that empower residents, especially those from underserved communities, to shape development in their neighbourhoods. One such initiative – the Planning 101 series – involves a series of lectures for community members that provide them with an overview of the City’s urban planning and design process.

Multi-stakeholder collaboration is also central, bringing together city officials, community leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private stakeholders to co-design and implement urban projects. This collaborative approach allows for a diverse range of perspectives, ensuring that solutions are holistic and adaptable to the city’s varied demographic and socioeconomic needs.

City Practice: Amman (Jordan)

Recognising that youth have often been missed in the city’s planning and strategy development processes in the past, Toronto set up a Youth Research Team of ten young people aged 18-29 who were tasked to connect with other youth to understand the issues they feel need to be prioritised by the local government over the coming years. This effort not only built young peoples’ understanding of municipal processes but also resulted in the development of a Youth Engagement Strategy, which was ‘made for youth by youth’.

Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) launched the Amman is Listening project to better understand residents’ needs and involve them in urban planning initiatives. The project used interactive mapping via a specifically developed mobile application and workshops to gather input from citizens on urban challenges and infrastructure priorities, such as transportation, green spaces and waste management. Residents identified key areas for development, allowing GAM to align its urban strategy with local needs. The initiative improved the transparency of urban planning in Amman, increased public trust, and empowered residents.

For instance, in Ahmedabad (India), Parivartan – also known as the Slum Networking Project – is a model of participatory planning. In its early days, the Municipal Corporation partnered with residents, local NGOs and the private sector to improve infrastructure in informal settlements by providing clean water, sanitation and road access. Residents and private industry, along with the Municipal Corporation, contributed financially and took part in designing solutions, ensuring slum upgrades met their specific needs. This collaborative process fostered ownership, improved living conditions and built a foundation of trust between residents and the local government. Additionally, as a result of this multi-stakeholder approach, the Corporation is no longer perceived as a sole provider of services but a key player and facilitator.

Another example of this approach is the USE-IT! project in Birmingham (United Kingdom), which brings together the City Council, universities, healthcare providers, social enterprises and community-based organisations to support socio-economic development in disadvantaged areas, such as West Birmingham and Smethwick. A unique aspect of the project was the City’s collaboration with the University of Birmingham and the local health service, which conducted research to better understand community needs and facilitated training programmes to improve employability among residents. These efforts were complemented by partnerships with social enterprises, which provided resources and support for job creation and skills development.

Finally, feedback loops and accountability mechanisms are crucial for meaningful participatory planning. These allow for continuous feedback from residents throughout project implementation and help ensure that their input translates into visible, impactful changes. Such accountability strengthens public trust in local governments and enhances the sustainability of urban projects, as residents are more likely to support and maintain developments that reflect their contributions. In Fuenlabrada (Spain), the city has implemented several instruments to promote urban participation as a key mechanism for supporting democracy and social dialogue. This includes more than 500 active associations that provides feedback through participatory channels such as the Committee of Coexistence, which is made up of more than 30 organisations from various fields and are involved in the design and development of urban projects. These organisations provide a wealth of information about local needs but are also involved in monitoring and evaluations.

Inclusion and accountability are also key features of participatory urban planning and design in Paris (France). Two relevant initiatives have been the establishment of neighbourhood councils and participatory budgeting. There are 121 neighbourhood councils which different aspects of local policy, including local housing, transport or planning issues. They receive a budget from the City of Paris to cover operational expenses and small-scale public investments. While their role is to solely offer consultative input on community issues, the City has recently established a 100-person Paris Citizens’ Assembly which empowers residents to propose projects and set themes for the City’s participatory budget. The Assembly has the power to submit recommendations and raise issues in City Council meetings, with city officials required to respond. Although these recommendations do not directly enforce accountability, the Assembly and other participatory mechanisms increase transparency and provide regular feedback channels and evaluation of local policy encouraging government responsiveness and fostering public oversight in a more informal capacity.

3. Include Gender Consideration in Urban Planning and Design

Integrating gender-inclusive considerations into urban planning and design is essential to building safe, inclusive and accessible cities for everyone. A gender-inclusive approach acknowledges that men and women experience cities differently, with women and gender minorities often facing unique challenges related to safety, mobility and access to housing, resources and economic opportunities. By addressing these disparities, cities can create environments that are equitable and responsive to the needs of all residents and thus reduce potential threats to social cohesion.

Enhanced safety and security, especially in public spaces and transportation, should be a key component of a gender-inclusive approach to urban planning and design as research shows that women are more likely than men to experience harassment in urban environments. As a result, many feel unsafe in certain areas or at certain times of day. Well-lit, open spaces, along with increased visibility and natural surveillance, are essential to creating environments where they feel secure.

In Cairo (Egypt), the HarassMap crowdsourcing platform allows women to report harassment incidents, creating a real-time map of harassment hotspots. This data has been useful for urban planners, helping them identify areas in need of improvements such as lighting and increased police presence. HarassMap has also raised awareness of gender-based harassment and is encouraging more inclusive community planning that prioritises women’s safety.

Similarly, in Toronto (Ontario, Canada), the Women’s Safety Audit has empowered women and other relevant stakeholders to conduct audits on neighbourhood safety. Developed by the Metropolitan Toronto Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children, a government-sponsored community-based organisation, the initiative was designed to respond to growing concern about violence and harassment targeting women and their perception of insecurity. These audits focus on identifying poorly lit areas, secluded spots and other safety risks. Recommendations from the audits have led to improvements, such as enhanced lighting, better pathway designs and assault prevention programmes for women and the LGBTQI+ community, helping to create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone across the city.

Safe and inclusive public spaces and transportation systems for women have been a priority for many cities across the globe. In Bogota (Colombia), for example, several initiatives focus on making public spaces and transit systems safer for women. The Safe Spaces Strategy designates more than 1,000 safe public spaces across the city, including supermarkets, pharmacies, cafes and gas stations, where women can seek guidance and protection against domestic violence. This strategy was particularly impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic when domestic violence cases in the city – and globally – spiked. Recognising that women’s patterns are more different than men’s, their greater dependence of public transportation due to lack of access to private vehicles and their need barrier-free units for safe transport with children, local authorities also introduced women-only sections in its TransMilenio buses. This was combined with transport staff training and awareness-raising campaigns that sparked public debate about sexual harassment in public transport.

Umeå (Sweden) has also taken steps to make its transportation systems gender-sensitive and inclusive. For example, in addition to improving the infrastructure to make it safer for women to cycle, the city has prioritised clearing the snow from the bike lanes first in the winter months to allow women, who make up the majority of cyclists, to travel unimpeded. To enhance women’s safety on public transport, Madrid (Spain) has introduced ‘requested stops‘ on its night buses for women and youth so they can disembark the bus at a safe location. Kampala (Uganda) provides training opportunities for female public transport drivers, promoting gender equity within the transport workforce and thus incorporating their perspectives for safer travel for female passengers.

While security and safe spaces are crucial urban planning considerations, they are not the only ones. Access to housing, essential service and economic opportunities are equally important to improve women well-being. In Mozambique, as in many developing countries, women face systemic barriers to land and housing ownership due to cultural norms and legal constraints. These challenges exacerbate their vulnerability to poverty and limit their ability to provide for their families or participate fully in community life. One initiative to empower of women in displaced communities in areas affected by conflict through home ownership, participatory urban planning and capacity building was implemented in Cabo Delgado Province. In cooperation with the national government and the United Nations, the provincial government launched a pilot project in Marocani, providing displaced women and girls training, materials and supervision to build and maintain durable homes. A total of 50 permanent homes were built and 40+ women were trained in construction, opening up opportunities for their economic and social inclusion.

4. Incorporate Youth-Centric Urban Design

Youth-inclusive urban design and planning is essential for fostering environments that support healthy development and reduce the risks of social isolation and disenfranchisement of young people that can be exacerbated when there are few appealing, safe and accessible public spaces to interact in person. Research indicates that youth, especially those in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, frequently face unsafe environments characterised by violence, crime and inadequate public resources creating conditions which push them indoors, where digital spaces become substitutes for real-world interaction. Moreover, exclusionary urban practices that restrict youth activities, can reinforce social segregation and perpetuate institutionalised inequalities.

Inclusive urban design can mitigate these issues by creating public spaces that are neither home nor school but provide youth a sense of community and belonging. Examples of these include parks, youth and community centres and recreational facilities that cater specifically to youth needs. These spaces not only promote social interaction but contribute to emotional and cognitive development. New Orleans, Louisiana (USA), harnessed grassroots youth initiatives to redevelop vacant lots to build the city’s first skatepark. Parisite Skate Park, which originally started as an improvised installation, is a model for transforming unused and decaying urban voids into functional community spaces offering easily accessible, free and safe recreation which in turn builds self-esteem, and interpersonal and leadership skills among youth.

Similarly, the Municipality of Gostivar (North Macedonia) worked with youth to re-claim a vandalised multipurpose sport court. The youth group, with support from Strong Cities’ youth pillar, Young Cities, also offered youth civic responsibility and painting courses. Participants employed their new skills to improve additional shared public spaces and engender a sense of community ownership and commonality to address vandalism. 

Additionally, many cities provide safe spaces for learning, exchange and citizenship, with a particular focus on young people. For example, the local government in Belgrade (Serbia), operates one of the most prominent and longstanding youth centres in the Balkans. The centre’s goal is to facilitate cultural exchange and cohesion, promote civic engagement and create a space where youth can express themselves freely. It runs more than 1,600 programmes, including cultural and civic events, and hosts more than 400,000 people annually. Similarly, Copenhagen (Denmark) operates a network of youth centres and clubs around the city, some of which are also extracurricular after-school activities, and provide language learning for newly arrived migrant children and youth.

5. Create Public Spaces That Will Serve as Platforms for Social Interaction

Public spaces are vital for driving social and economic development, enhancing safety and security, and facilitating social interaction and diversity. They are platforms where diverse groups of people can come together, engage in cultural and social activities and participate in community life while reducing segregation and perceptions of isolation and non-belonging. Inclusive public spaces contribute to a city’s social fabric by promoting equity, safety and accessibility for all residents, including those from marginalised communities. Designing these spaces with inclusivity in mind ensures that public areas cater to the needs of different demographics, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing social divides.

A key step in this regard is ensuring that public spaces are accessible for people with different mobility needs and are welcoming to all communities from within and outside of the city. For example, Copenhagen’s (Denmark) Superkilen Park was designed to reflect the neighbourhood’s diversity by incorporating elements and artefacts from over 50 different countries. This inclusive approach aimed to create a space that resonates with the backgrounds of the residents, showcasing items such as benches from Brazil, neon signs from Russia and a boxing ring from Thailand.

In addition to being inclusive and welcoming, cities should also consider the importance of developing safe public spaces for residents to discuss and exchange viewpoints. Limiting or restricting these spaces can lead individuals to confine these conversations to private fora, which can generate an echo chamber and a perception of unresolved grievance, which in turn generates extremism.

For example, Freedom Park in Lagos (Nigeria), a former colonial-era prison has been transformed into a space for cultural exchange, open discussions and artistic performances. Freedom Park is known for hosting dialogues and forums that engage different community groups, fostering conversations on topics like social justice history, and community development. The park’s design, with its amphitheatres and open-air spaces, supports public engagement activities, performances and debates, making it a hub for inclusive community dialogue.

Constitution Hill in Johannesburg (South Africa) is also an example of an inclusive urban space designed for reflection, education and dialogue. Also located on the site of a former prison, it now houses the Constitutional Court and serves as a venue for public engagement on human rights and democracy. Constitution Hill holds exhibitions, community programmes, and guided tours that stimulate discussions about South Africa’s history, social justice and human rights issues. The space’s transformation from a site of oppression to one of freedom exemplifies how urban areas can be repurposed to promote meaningful and sensitive conversations.

However, cities also need to ensure that their public spaces look and feel make residents feel comfortable and proud to be a part of the city’s social fabric and instil in them a sense of identity. For instance, Florence (Italy) has designed its public spaces to reflect its rich history and artistic heritage, which promotes a sense of shared identity and pride among residents. These spaces are not just tourist attractions but serve as vital social hubs for community gatherings, markets and public events. The City also regularly hosts festivals, performances and cultural events in these public spaces, inviting diverse participation and fostering social cohesion. These initiatives help address the needs of vulnerable populations and bridge generational and socio-economic divides, providing spaces where people from different backgrounds can interact and engage in shared experiences. Dakar (Senegal) employs a similar approach to incorporating cultural heritage into its inclusive public spaces. Place du Souvenir Africain, a cultural landmark that embodies the history, identity and heritage of Senegal and the broader African continent, is designed to incorporate elements of local architecture and artistic motifs, creating a public space that resonates with the cultural identity of the community.

6. Strengthen Resilience and Disaster Preparedness for Climate Adaptation

Strengthening resilience and disaster preparedness is essential for cities facing the growing impacts of climate change. Urban resilience means that a city can anticipate, absorb, adapt to and recover from adverse events, such as natural disasters and extreme weather. Effective disaster preparedness and climate adaptation require a comprehensive approach that incorporates infrastructure improvements, early warning systems, community engagement and sustainable urban planning practices. It also needs to address climate-related risks that disproportionately affect disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.

Many cities across the Network are developing policies and programmes to achieve carbon neutrality goals. For some cities, this has included a focus on the 15-minute city concept, which stipulates that workplaces, shops, parks, schools and other important amenities should be within a fifteen-minute walk or cycle of a one’s residence. This model reduces carbon emissions, enhances social resilience and prepares communities for climate impacts by decentralising services and reducing dependence on long commutes. Public spaces are designed to be multifunctional, incorporating green areas that aid in climate mitigation.

Melbourne (Victoria, Australia) has adopted the 20-minute neighbourhood concept, closely related to the 15-minute city model. The city’s urban planning strategy is based on a living locally/place-based approach to create vibrant, inclusive and healthy neighbourhoods. After successfully testing the model, the City identified health, social, economic and environmental benefits which will guide its growth in the next 25 years.

Barcelona (Spain) has implemented the Superblock model, which aligns with the 15-minute city concept by creating smaller, self-sustaining urban units where residents can access essential services within a short distance. The city’s superblocks restrict vehicle traffic within specific blocks, transforming streets into pedestrian-friendly spaces that encourage walking, cycling and local activities. This reconfiguration supports community interactions, reduces air pollution, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. The model has been highly effective in neighbourhoods like Eixample, leading to the development of green spaces and communal areas that enhance local quality of life

Nevertheless, some cities have received backlash from communities about implementing the 15-minute city model. In Oxford (United Kingdom), the plan to implement 15-minute city principles sparked significant public protests, driven by concerns and fuelled by misconceptions and conspiracy narratives suggesting that the 15-minute city model was an attempt by the government to control residents’ movements and limit their ability to travel freely. Framed as a step towards authoritarianism, voices critical of this initiative amplified these views, linking them to broader anxieties about surveillance and government overreach. The actual goal of Oxford’s 15-minute city plan was to reduce traffic congestion, enhance local services and create sustainable and pedestrian-friendly communities. However, confusion arose due to the overlap with traffic management strategies like Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, which some perceived as measures restricting car use. Oxford City Council moved forward with the scheme, however, it removed the 15-minute phrase from its official documents to reassure communities that there is no sinister plot. Cities inthe province of Manitoba (Canada) faced similar backlash from protestors around the regional Plan 20-50, which is closely aligned with the 15-minutes city concept. A public hearing on the plan at the City of Niverville, a suburb of Winnipeg, was cancelled after a large crowd tried to enter the council chamber to protest the plan.

Other cities around the world which are already severely impacted by extreme weather have taken steps to strengthen resilience and disaster preparedness. Dhaka (Bangladesh), known for its vulnerability to flooding and extreme weather, launched the Dhaka Urban Resilience Project in coordination and support from the national government and the World Bank. Implemented by Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation, this initiative focused on multiple measures for climate change preparedness including improving drainage, fortifying embankments and enhancing the protection of bio-ecological zones. The project also improved decentralised emergency services at the ward level in both city corporations, created systems to reduce the vulnerability of new buildings and strengthened the capacity of officials and emergency management response personnel.

7. Establish Supportive Urban Design Structures for Refugees, Migrants and other New Arrivals

Cities play a critical role in creating urban environments that support the integration and well-being of refugees, migrants and other new arrivals. Urban planning and design can help foster social inclusion, improve wellbeing of these individuals, many of whom may have experienced trauma, and facilitate opportunities for the city’s economic growth. Establishing supportive structures is crucial to ensuring that these individuals feel welcomed and integrated into their new city, contributing positively to urban resilience and social cohesion, while ensuring that measures such as affordable housing do not create, or further, segregation of migrant communities. To achieve this, cities should offer inclusive and affordable housing, access to basic services, economic integration and welcoming public spaces based on a muti-pronged ‘one-stop-shop’ service provision.

Columbus, Ohio (USA), has developed a reputation for implementing inclusive urban practices and programmes in line with ‘The Columbus Way‘ that support the integration of diverse communities, including refugees and migrants. The City is provides shelter for migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and other new arrivals. The City also partners with community-based organisations through its New American Programme, which helps migrants and refugees integrate into the social fabric of the city. One such organisation is the Community Refugee and Immigration Services, which offers support, including housing assistance, legal aid and educational programmes, helping integrate newcomers into local communities. Aurora, Colorado (USA) has similarly developed a range of supportive structures and programmes for its migrant population to foster inclusion and build social cohesion which are listed in the City’s Immigrant Integration Plan. Supporting migrant homeownership through affordable housing, addressing discrimination and migrant displacement in housing and promoting diverse neighbourhoods are key features of this strategy. The City has also created a Public School Welcome Centre to support new arrivals as they adjust to the local education system.

Helsinki (Finland) provides comprehensive and individually tailored integration services for all newcomers. This includes various types of support from education, healthcare, psychosocial support and housing. Housing policies feature prominently in the City’s Integration Plan 2017-2021, as a measure to fight geographic segregation. Local authorities set out to implement housing policies that secure the production of a diverse range of housing that will enable mixed-use neighbourhoods that promote interaction between long-time residents and newcomers. For the more vulnerable newcomers such as undocumented migrants, the City even offers emergency housing for a short period of time.

Wroclaw (Poland), like many cities in the country and the broader region, was impacted by an influx of Ukrainian refugees as a result of the Russian invasion in February 2022. The City repurposed existing public buildings, such as student dormitories, to offer temporary shelter, transitioning some facilities into more permanent housing as part of broader urban development strategies. It also expanded access to schools to include Ukrainian children, ensuring that they could continue their education. This involved adjusting school capacities and establishing new classrooms where necessary to accommodate the increased demand. The City has centralised some of these services through the Wroclaw Integration Centre, which supports the practical and social integration of refugees and migrants.

Casablanca (Morocco) has been working to integrate sub-Saharan African migrants and refugees by enhancing social protection and addressing discrimination risks encountered by vulnerable populations settled within the less developed neighbourhoods of the city. As a part of this initiative, the Municipality is working with UN-Habitat to establish Migration Coordination Unit and ‘Salon of Migrants‘ to host social gatherings and cultural events for migrants and host communities.

8. Leverage Data and Monitoring Systems for Social Cohesion Through Urban Planning

Data-driven insights and monitoring systems help cities measure progress and make informed adjustments to urban planning and design efforts that enhance social cohesion. They help policymakers understand demographic trends, map social interactions, identify areas of inequality and design public spaces that foster inclusion and unity. The integration of real-time data collection, predictive analytics and community feedback mechanisms enables more responsive and equitable urban development. For instance, to maximise the benefits of inclusive spatial planning, cities should monitor indicators such as housing affordability, access to services and resident perceptions of trust in government and linkages with other communities.

New York City’s, New York (USA), Open Data Portal is a free, comprehensive and publicly accessible platform that hosts a wide range of datasets released by various New York City agencies. With more than 4.6 billion rows of data, it covers areas such as transportation, public health, housing, environment and education, allowing researchers, residents, and policymakers to analyse trends and make data-driven decisions on multiple fronts, including urban planning and development. For instance, a city planner could use the Portal to analyse the level of walkability for women in New York City to better understand how they perceive accessibility, comfort and safety of particular pathways and areas and inform urban design interventions. Cape Town (South Africa) has a similar Open Data Portal with more than 106 datasets which is designed to empower people to contribute to the wellbeing of their communities. Just over a third of the datasets are relevant to spatial planning which can provide insights into regeneration and other urban design projects.

Santiago (Chile) has worked to leverage data and monitoring systems to improve urban planning through the Sé Santiago public-private initiative and the subsequent Gestión Integrada Regional Asistida (GIRA) project. These initiatives were launched as part of the city’s broader ‘smart city’ agenda, with a focus on integrating various data sources to facilitate decision-making, enhance public safety and improve citizen engagement. GIRA collects data from different sources, including government databases, social media and crowdsourced community input, integrates them under a common platform for analysis and monitoring, and displays them for various stakeholders to access. This allows for a comprehensive view of urban dynamics, enabling more responsive policy-making especially related to public safety and security.

Another useful innovative tool designed to enhance urban safety by collecting, analysing and presenting data related to public security and community well-being is the Urban Safety Monitor. Developed by UN Habitat, the European Forum for Urban Security and Fixed, the platform serves as a centralised system that consolidates data on various aspects of urban safety, such as crime rates, public disturbances and safety perceptions by leveraging real-time and historical data to help cities identify patterns, assess risk factors and implement targeted safety measures. It supports urban development by providing valuable insights into which (high-risk) areas require attention and what types of interventions may be most effective.

9. Balance Safety with Accessibility and Openness When Planning Public Areas

Urban planning plays a crucial role in the protection of soft targets — places that are accessible to the public and have limited security measures such as markets, schools, museums and other cultural or arts centres, places of worship and transport hubs. Effective urban design can mitigate risks to these sites by incorporating preventive and responsive strategies that enhance security without undermining their openness and accessibility. Planners need to integrate safety and resilience into the design and development of public spaces to prevent attacks, promote community confidence and foster social cohesion.

In London (United Kingdom), local authorities have embedded protective measures within the cityscape following incidents such as the 2005 London bombings and the 2017 London Bridge and Westminster Bridge attacks. Measures include reinforced security barriers and bollards on London bridges and pedestrian zones reduce vehicular threats. The City also commissioned a city-wide independent review of its preparedness to respond to a major terrorist incident with 294 recommendations, many related to soft target protection.

However, implementing protection measures to enhance urban safety can have unintended consequences. For instance, the 14 Riverside attack in 2019 in Nairobi (Kenya) showed how the City’s quasi-militarised approach to public and private spaces, with an emphasis on visible and fortified security measures, such as high walls, barbed wire, surveillance cameras, sniffer dogs, metal detectors and concrete barriers failed. While these measures are intended to secure public areas like malls and office complexes, they can also create an environment that feels closed off and isolated, impacting the social dynamics and openness of urban spaces. The River Regeneration Initiative exemplifies how the city incorporates community and environmental considerations to revitalise neglected and unsafe spaces. The initiative aims to reclaim the riverfront to initiate local social and economic regeneration by bringing diverse groups together, enhancing green spaces for recreation, promoting a shared sense of community pride​ and creating economic opportunities for local businesses and communities To further enhance its safety, the area is based on a network of safe pedestrian walkways and bike paths, inaccessible to vehicles.

Berlin (Germany) has developed similar measures to protect soft targets in close cooperation with law enforcement. Following the 2016 Breitscheidplatz Christmas market attack, the City installed temporary barriers to secure the square, which some have criticised as restricting movement. Hence, the City is examining alternative permanent protective measures that follow the principles of multifunctionality, satisfy higher aesthetic demands and ensure public spaces are welcoming. Models by urban planners show that multifunctional barriers such as trees, hardened lamp posts, bus shelters, retractable bollards and reinforced bike racks can serve as protection while blending into the existing environment. Similarly, after the 2011 bombing in Oslo’s (Norway) government quarter, the local authorities collaborated with architects and city planners to make the area accessible and an active part of the city, while enhancing security. The new concept is based on merging existing two urban squares, developing new pedestrian pathways and a new park, with office blocks integrated into the existing city facade.

In January 2024, Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), experienced a terrorist attack on City Hall. Even though there were no casualties, the risk to the public was assessed to be extremely high and City Hall was shut down. Following repairs, City Hall was opened in March 2024 with new security measures, including substituting the pony wall in the chambers, which separates the councillors and the public, with a higher glass wall, ensuring that the public can still freely observe public deliberations while enhancing safety of elected officials.

We want to make sure that city hall remains a welcoming, easily accessible place for all Edmontonians who engage with city council, and city administration at the same time.

Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton (Alberta, Canada)

10. Incorporate Inclusive Urban Planning and Design Approaches in Broader City Recovery Efforts Following Natural Disasters, Conflict or a Hate or Extremist-Motivated Attack

Urban planning and design play a pivotal role in recovery efforts following national disasters, conflict or a hate or extremist-motivated attack. Thoughtful urban planning not only facilitates the rebuilding of infrastructure but also supports community healing, promotes social cohesion, and lays the foundation for long-term resilience. The process should be holistic, inclusive, and participatory to ensure that recovery efforts address the needs of all affected residents, fostering a sense of unity and hope. It should also focus on the reintegration of public spaces that encourage inter-community engagement, economic revitalisation and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Post-conflict urban planning played a key role in the recovery of Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), a city divided by the Bosnian War. The restoration of the world heritage site Stari Most (Old Bridge), which was destroyed during the conflict, was a symbol for the city’s reconciliation efforts. Urban planners focused on rebuilding not just physical structures but also social connections by creating public spaces that encouraged interactions between previously divided communities. The reconstruction of the bridge was a key initiative in promoting peace and unity, making Mostar an example of urban planning’s role in mending the social fabric post-conflict.  Similarly, Belfast (United Kingdom), which has a history of sectarian conflict, incorporated urban planning initiatives as a part of its peace and reconciliation efforts. Public-partner initiatives such as the redevelopment of the Titanic Quarter, and the introduction of the regeneration initiatives to build public and community spaces where the city’s Peace Walls are currently situated, which aim to bring together Protestant and Catholic communities.

Beirut (Lebanon) has faced multiple waves of conflict and natural disasters, including the 2020 port explosion. Urban planning efforts have focused on rebuilding neighbourhoods to restore economic activity and promote social cohesion. The city administration in cooperation with UN Habitat launched an initiative to recover and reconstruct some of the most vulnerable areas impacted by the incident. Namely, it restored 10+ buildings of heritage value through a Build Back Better approach and rehabilitated key public spaces such as the fire brigade centre and two parks.

Following the devastating earthquake in 2011, Christchurch (New Zealand) undertook an extensive urban planning and recovery project outlined in its Central City Recovery Plan. The city’s approach included rebuilding with earthquake-resilient infrastructure and introducing new public spaces to foster social interaction and community healing. Key projects, such as the Green Frame around the city centre, provided both recreational space, opportunities for businesses, ecological benefits, which promote a sense of normalcy, resilience and long-term investment.

Conclusion: Towards Inclusive and Cohesive Cities

Urban planning and design play an indispensable role in building cohesive and inclusive cities by shaping environments that foster social interaction, equity and shared identity and thus can contribute to wider efforts to prevent hate and extremism from taking root in local communities. From designing community hubs and public spaces that promote cultural exchange to ensuring that housing solutions prevent social or other segregation, urban planning can help break down physical and social barriers, creating neighbourhoods where all residents feel safe and connected. Integrating public feedback and participatory design processes further strengthens these outcomes, as people are more likely to take pride in spaces they have helped shape. Cities that prioritise inclusive design can respond better to challenges such as migration, inter-communal tensions and socio-economic disparity. By embedding inclusivity into their core, urban areas can promote resilience and foster a sense of belonging among residents, all of which can help ameliorate some of the conditions conducive to hate and extremism.

Strong Cities has a unique role to play in this context by encouraging local governments to consider issues of urban planning and design as they look at how to develop and operationalise a whole-of-city approach to hate and extremism prevention and by acting as a facilitator for knowledge-sharing, connecting city officials focused on prevention with good practices and successful case studies in inclusive urban design. The Network can also support cities in creating policies that integrate public safety measures seamlessly into public spaces while promoting transparency and trust.   

Resources 

• The American Institute of Architects, Architect’s Role in Creating Equitable Communities, September 2022
• Asian Development Bank, Inclusive Cities Urban Area Guidelines, March 2022
• Asian Development Bank, Enabling Inclusive Cities: Tool Kit for Inclusive Urban Development, 2017
• 100 Resilient Cities, Social Cohesion: A Practitioner’s Guide to Measurement Challenges and Opportunities, June 2019
• C40 Cities, Executive Guide How to Tackle Climate Change and Inequality Jointly: Practical Resources and Guidance for Cities, October 2019
• Eurocities, Cities and Regions Shaping the Built Environment for Everyone: A Catalogue of 30 Good Practices, 2023
• European Forum for Urban Security, Security by Design: How to Render Public Spaces Both Safe and Open to All, March 2021
• Peace in Our Cities and Global Initiative on Against Transnational Organized Crime, Urbanization, Peace and Security, September 2024
• Resilient Cities Network, Social Cohesion: A Practitioner’s Guide to Measurement Challenges and Opportunities, June 2019
• United Nations Habitat & Shared City Foundation, Her Cities: A Guide for Cities to Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Planning and Design Together with Girls (2^nd Ed), 2022
• United Nations-Habitat, European Forum for Urban Security & FIXED, Urban Safety Monitor: The Bigger Picture, 2024
• World Bank, Placemaking: Making Thriving Cities Through Place-Led Development, 2021

Contact

For more information on Strong Cities’ Urban Planning Initiative, please contact Simeon Dukic, Deputy Director for Global Engagement, Strong Cities Network, here.

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