Key stake holders in urban development don’t even think enough about others sometimes to make sure the sun isn’t beating directly on the slide at the playground that is too fast a pitch and drops onto hard dirt so I’m not expecting much inclusion of anything serious.

At the same time, we need to ensure that all voices are expressed and heard. Nothing is possible without starting from the fundamentals: the city is the common good by excellence. Planning policies and projects aim to meet the needs of all communities, by developing a shared vision. On this basis, we can mobilise communities to have a say in the planning process and help it to go beyond a limited approach of pros and cons. It is then that the proposals can really be enriched.

Urban planning often overlooks inclusivity, leaving marginalized communities unheard. Key stakeholders, including policymakers and developers, must adopt participatory approaches to ensure diverse voices shape city development. Public consultations, digital engagement platforms, and grassroots collaborations can amplify underrepresented perspectives. Legal frameworks mandating inclusivity, alongside transparency in decision-making, can hold authorities accountable. Community-driven initiatives and advocacy groups play a vital role in bridging gaps. Ensuring all voices are heard requires a commitment to equitable policies, representation, and continuous dialogue between planners and residents, fostering truly inclusive urban growth.

Move beyond solely listening to community voices. Instead, foster genuine community engagement through partnership and co-creation. Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation (1969) is a useful framework in analyzing power dynamics within decision-making processes. Only listening to community through "public feedback sessions" results in tokenism and placation. Co-create mutually-beneficial partnerships by developing an advisory board or other framework by which community representatives with diverse perspectives, skills, identities, and experiences take part in leading the planning process. Communicate the gathered feedback, the identified shared goals, and the ongoing progress toward plans broadly to the wider community.

Lead with emotion, follow with facts. Introduce the key stakeholders early on to some of the people they will need to include. When the see the problem as a person, they are more motivated to design inclusively.