Vision for a Better City
In this moment of uncertainty, New York needs bold, visionary leadership to tackle our challenges and build a city that works for everyone.
Vision for a Better City is Urban Design Forum’s platform of ideas for New York’s next leaders — offering ambitious, actionable, and pragmatic recommendations to improve quality of life for all New Yorkers.
Too often, urban design feels disconnected from daily life. But it doesn’t have to be. Thoughtful design is key to building a city we’re proud to call home. It can tackle multiple challenges at once, from bringing neighbors together to addressing climate change. This document lays out a vision to make that happen.
Vision for a Better City is built around six essential pillars that define thriving New York City neighborhoods: Housing, Public Space, Mobility, Economic Development, Public Health, and Climate Action.
While these issue areas are distinct, they are deeply interconnected. Our city’s next leader must bring together experts with both local and technical knowledge in each of these areas to improve the lives of New Yorkers. Good housing shapes our health and ability to participate in an economy. Public spaces create community and help mitigate climate risks. Mobility connects New Yorkers to jobs, health services, and one another. A comprehensive approach to these issues will build a stronger New York and a more livable city.
New York City’s future depends on leadership that is willing to think creatively, act boldly, and work collaboratively. Here in New York, the mayor has the power and the tools to dramatically improve quality of life and affordability for all New Yorkers.
A better city is possible. It’s time to build it — together.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Urban Design Forum members who contributed to our fellowships, workshops and surveys. These recommendations are grounded in our community’s knowledge and insights from over four years of fellow-led research and publications.
Call to Action: Shape Our Mayoral Platform
At the end of 2024, we asked Urban Design Forum Fellows to help us shape our platform for the next administration.
With the 2025 mayoral election approaching, Urban Design Forum crafted a forward-looking platform based on ideas from our publications over the last four years. We wanted our network’s help refining our recommendations and their input on what’s possible in this political moment.
We invited past cohorts, new fellows and friends to help define a bold vision across our six core issue areas: Climate Action, Public Health, Housing, Public Space, Mobility and Economic Development.
Learn MoreSupport
Vision for a Better City is made possible through the support of our Board of Directors, Director’s Circle, Company Members, and our Campaign for Courageous Leadership, and company and individual members. Our programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
To learn more about supporting Urban Design Forum, please contact Miranda Bellizia, miranda@urbandesignforum.org.
Join our current partners as a company member. Learn more here.