Public opinion on urban challenges and investment in cities

Most pressing issues for citizens in cities, towns and suburbs, and rural areas

Over half (51%) of city residents consider the ‘lack of affordable housing’ an urgent and immediate problem, followed by ‘unemployment or lack of job opportunities’ (33%), lack of quality public services (32%) and ‘poverty or homelessness’ (32%). 

Significant differences emerge across areas: while affordable housing remains the top concern in both cities and towns, the urgency is more acutely felt in cities (51%) than in towns and suburbs (37%) or rural areas (28%). Conversely, rural respondents cite the lack of quality public services (36%) as their top concern. 

Services in cities that need improving most

When asked about aspects in need of improvement, city dwellers pointed to the quality of public services (42%) and safety in public spaces (36%) as priorities. Availability of affordable public transport and economic development and business opportunities are also key, each mentioned by 29% of respondents. 

Actions to improve affordability of housing

Nearly nine in ten respondents living in cities (88%) think their city could benefit from renovating existing housing to decrease energy bills. Majorities of respondents in cities also think that affordability of housing in their city could be improved by building more new affordable housing (e.g. by providing incentives) (83%) and by monitoring rent prices and providing rent assistance programmes (e.g. rent ceilings, rent vouchers) (82%).