Advisory Center for Affordable Settlements & Housing

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Edited By Saba Bilquis
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Global – Housing for Inclusive Cities

In this follow-up report, we explore some of the steps being taken by cities to address their housing challenges. Through a series of short case studies, we provide a high-level overview of different approaches being taken. The case studies have been split into three sections: Coordinating land use and transport planning: Aside from direct public involvement in housing development, land use and transport planning policies are some of the key tools local authorities can use to address housing challenges. Cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong are often cited as examples of how an active government approach in these areas can underpin urban growth; Influencing housing finance: Moving beyond planning and development, cities can also direct financial resources to encourage the development, purchase or use of local housing. Authorities have pursued a range of approaches such as tapping debt and equity markets to fund affordable housing development in San Francisco or subsidizing mortgages in cities in Brazil and Mexico; and finally Influencing housing demand. Cities around the world from Paris to Dubai have experimented with measures to make property less desirable to speculators, limit investment from overseas, and support access to housing stocks for urban citizens. None of these policy approaches exists in isolation and there is an important role for the private sector to play in supporting city leaders’ efforts to tackle their housing challenges. This support can take many forms from consultations and providing advice on strategies through to direct investment in housing development or the provision of employer-assisted housing. Whichever policies are pursued, there is a strong alignment between the needs of cities and business and through greater cooperation the housing challenges confronting cities are more likely to be addressed.

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