From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

APPROACH 2 Evidence-led frameworks to measure what matters Spatial planning must integrate robust quantitative and qualitative evidence to create affordable, inclusive and sustainable communities – ideally with a specific focus on the well-being of the people and communities that should benefit from the planning mechanisms designed to create affordability and inclusivity. Cultural plan- ning11 and well-being frameworks provide structured approaches for embedding social, environmental and economic considerations into planning. The OECD’s well-being guidelines,12 the UK HM Treasury’s The Green Book,13 the UN Valuing What Counts gross domestic product (GDP) metrics14 and health impact assessments (HIAs) outline standardized methodologies to ensure urban development reflects community needs, long- term sustainability and local identity. These various metrics, frameworks and approaches can be used throughout the entire planning life cycle – from forecast - ing and options appraisals to monitoring, evaluation and informing future/ongoing investment.MEASURING WHAT MATTERS FRAMEWORK, AUSTRALIA The Australian Government’s Measuring What Matters Framework guides policy through well-being indicators aligned with the well-being budget to prioritize social, economic and environmental outcomes. The framework has been adapted at both state and local levels. FIGURE 1 Measuring What Matters Framework, Australia Measuring what matters, for all AustraiansHealthy ▪Healthy throughout life ▪Equitable access to quality health and care services Secure ▪Living peacefully and feeling safe ▪Having financial security and access to housing Sustainable ▪Protect, repair and manage the environment ▪Resilient and sustainable nation Cohesive ▪Having time for family and community ▪Valuing diversity, belonging and culture ▪Trust in institutions Prosperous ▪Dynamic economy that shares prosperity ▪Access to education, skills development and learning throughout life ▪Broad opportunities for employment and well-paid, secure jobsInclusion, fairness and equity 21APPROACH 3 Supporting ecological, social and economic goals through early community engagement and community-led development models Urban planning must prioritize the needs and perspec- tives of affected communities – taking both current and future generations into account – while ensuring that infrastructure and development projects are both socially equitable and environmentally sustainable. Har - nessing existing social capital can improve planning and support and develop local organizations and networks that have direct insight into local needs. Effective and meaningful stakeholder engagement, including partici- patory budgeting and co-creation models, strengthens community involvement and enhances the integration of robust evidence in planning.15 The co-creation model can strengthen trust and facilitate sustained collaboration. It is vital to ensure that all local underrepresented groups are equitably included in community engagement. Planning processes may also be explicitly constructed to require the engagement and agreement of key stakeholders to progress. Supporting and formalizing community-led governance structures16 and organizations in planning processes will help build social cohesion and long-term economic stability. Planners may also consider incorporating com- munity-led development models, such as community land trusts and co-housing (among others), to promote affordability, local stewardship and inclusive growth. Community-led models are particularly effective at ensuring that development aligns with community needs, preserves affordability and strengthens local resilience. SAFE AND SOUND CITIES, NAGA CITY The Safe and Sound Cities (S²Cities) programme, managed by the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB), aims to enhance urban safety and well-being for youth aged 15 to 24. By empowering young people to collaborate with local governments and stakeholders, S²Cities transforms underused public spaces into vibrant, safe environments. In Naga City in the Philippines, the programme led to the creation of the Naga Youth Innovation Hub. This initia- tive harmonized the objectives of youth organizations with the city's master plan and private sector priorities through extensive consultations with government authorities and local business councils. The hub serves as a dedicated space for S²Cities staff, youth innovation fellows and local youth organizations, encouraging innovation and community engagement. Its establishment was formal- ized through an executive order, ensuring its integration into the city’s strategic development framework. Similarly, in Bandung, Indonesia, the Kami Ruang Ketiga initiative revitalized a space beneath the Pasopati Flyover, creating a Film Park and football field. This pro- ject not only provided accessible recreational areas but also facilitated community engagement. The initiative has since secured legal recognition as a non-govern- mental organization (NGO), expanding its efforts to improve and revitalize more public areas. These interventions exemplify S²Cities’ commitment to participatory design and relational well-being, ensuring that urban spaces meet the diverse needs of young residents.17 Read more in the Alliance’s Safe and Sound Cities Programme case study .