Polls, planning and the potential for people and planet

In 2024, half of the world headed to the ballot box1. Urban environments were a key focus for many democracies, and political parties set out pledges to reform planning and development systems to entice the electorate. Parties promised to address a shortage of homes and housing affordability, vulnerability to climate change, renewable energy demand and a desire to make places more appealing. This drive for urban development signals that now is a critical window of opportunity to reduce urban sprawl, protect nature and promote local livability. This means that the way that many towns and cities look, operate and feel will change rapidly over the coming years because of the democratic process.