21 Visions for 2021

The 2021 election is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to define a new plan for our city and give every New Yorker a voice in its future.
These 21 visions for the built environment were shaped by a multiracial, multigenerational group of 46 Urban Design Forum Fellows.
Let's fight to get each New Yorker a healthy home, a dignified workplace, a safe commute, and a beautiful neighborhood.

Complete Neighborhoods

How can the next mayor plan a fairer future for every neighborhood?

1.
Shape a proactive, long-term plan for every corner of the city.
2.
Marshal public investments to neighborhoods most in need.
3.
Hold communities and elected officials accountable to building critical infrastructure in every neighborhood.

How can the next mayor support excellent design of public infrastructure and buildings in every neighborhood?

4.
Ensure that every neighborhood has the right to an excellent and vibrant public realm.
5.
Embrace design expertise at every stage of planning to deliver excellent public projects.
6.
Empower minority- and women-owned businesses to build a greater share of our city.

How can the next mayor empower residents to have a more meaningful voice in the future of their neighborhoods?

7.
Bring everyone to the table by demanding greater participation from residents of every age, race, and income.
8.
Embrace new engagement tools to listen to far more New Yorkers.
9.
Invest in people who can assist residents in shaping neighborhood planning on an ongoing basis.

How can the next mayor welcome new development that broadly benefits a neighborhood?

10.
Empower New Yorkers with tools to shape greater growth in partnership with private development.
11.
Promote alternative private investment models that provide positive social and environmental benefits.
12.
Advocate for tax equity to relieve Black and minority homeowners.

How can the next mayor ensure that every New Yorker has a permanent and healthy home?

13.
Center health outcomes and housing quality in a new housing plan.
14.
Embrace creative housing approaches to alleviate homelessness.
15.
Build racially and economically diverse neighborhoods while reducing displacement.

How can the next mayor deploy urban design and community organizing to address climate risk in underinvested communities?

How can the next mayor build an equitable economy following the pandemic?

19.
Reinvest in commercial corridors in communities of color to sustain local businesses and help residents thrive.
20.
Drive green economic growth in the communities hardest hit by climate change.
21.
Partner with leading anchor institutions to build community wealth.