In a series of talks on social housing provision in cities (2019 and 2020), representatives from politics and administration, business and organised civil society were brought together to discuss current challenges in the area of housing.
Cities are breeding grounds for social change - both due to their high population density and their diversity. Urban spaces and neighbourhoods quickly become spaces for experimentation and learning for social, cultural, technical and economic innovations. Increasing conflicts over space and utilisation require a productive and understanding-oriented debate between the various interest groups in order to jointly develop sustainable solutions for future coexistence.
We are convinced that strengthening participation on the ground not only leads to sustainable urban development, but also contributes to a trusting culture of discussion and cooperative networking. After all, the major urban policy challenges of the future can only be overcome by working together. Viable solutions for sustainable urban development require close and democratically organized cooperation between all stakeholders.
We use special multi-stakeholder formats such as the Trialogue ® of the Berlin Governance Platform in our urban development projects to network stakeholders from politics and administration, business and organised civil society as well as academia. We organise a systematic exchange for the synergy of city-related research and urban society actors in order to develop new solutions and explore joint options for action.
Multi-stakeholder talks on housing supply (2019-2021)
Housing in metropolitan areas presents urban society, politicians and private housing companies with challenging questions regarding rents, new construction, neighbourhood development and densification. Demand for housing often exceeds supply, particularly due to the continuing population increase. Rising housing costs, conflicting interests in the property sector and hardened fronts between the parties involved characterise the current tense debate. Residents' protests are often directed against the increasing privatisation of the housing market and gentrification processes.
In order to pacify urban conflicts in the sense of a culture of participation at city level, a common level of dialogue between the various players and an exchange of information on the responsibility of private housing companies is required.
The multi-stakeholder discussions on housing supply in cities offer the opportunity to discuss in a familiar setting how the ability of the stakeholders involved to communicate and compromise can be promoted and what options for action can be used to reconcile the conflicting positions. Organised by the Berlin Governance Platform and moderated by Prof. Dr. Gesine Schwan, 10-15 stakeholders discussed current issues of housing supply in Berlin at the Allianz Forum.
We are convinced that socially relevant decisions can only be strengthened and legitimised if the exchange between politics and administration, business, organised civil society and science is improved.
2019 – 2021
Dr Melanie Kryst
