Futures

Gensler’s City Pulse Survey Highlights Emotional Connections in Urban Migration and Retention, (from page 20250706d.)

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Themes

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Summary

A new report by Gensler, based on a survey of 33,000 residents across 65 cities, emphasizes the importance of emotional connections in urban migration. While people move for opportunities, they tend to stay in cities that provide feelings of joy, meaning, and connection. Key findings include one in three residents considering leaving their cities, the rise of smaller cities due to livability, and the significance of belonging in retention rates. This study advocates for a shift towards ‘emotional infrastructure’ in urban planning, which encompasses public spaces and community experiences fostering pride and commitment. The report underlines that urban success should not only be measured by economic factors but also by how cities make people feel.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Emotional Connection as a Differentiator Cities are focusing on emotional connections to retain residents, not just economic factors. Shift from metrics like economic opportunity to emotional satisfaction in urban success indicators. Cities might become more community-focused with integrated emotional and social planning as a priority. A growing understanding of mental well-being and community ties in urban environments 4
Rise of Smaller Cities Smaller cities are becoming attractive for their livability, identity, and affordability. From large urban centers being the main attraction to smaller cities gaining residents. Smaller cities may experience population booms, altering urban development trends significantly. A desire for quality of life and affordable living among urban dwellers. 3
Focus on Emotional Infrastructure Cities are investing in public spaces that foster pride and long-term commitment. Transition from solely physical infrastructure investment to integrating emotional well-being into urban planning. Urban design may prioritize emotional health and community engagement in public spaces. Increasing demand for community-driven experiences that enhance quality of life. 5
Newcomers’ Vulnerability New residents are more likely to consider leaving, indicating a need for better integration. From general urban retention strategies to targeted support for newcomers. Cities may develop specific integration programs to enhance retention of new residents. An increasing diversity of populations requiring more inclusive urban strategies. 4
Global South Representation Cities in the Global South are gaining recognition and representation in urban studies. Shift from focusing on Western cities to a more global perspective on urban life. Urban studies may be more diverse, reflecting changes in global migration and development patterns. The need for a comprehensive understanding of urban challenges across different regions. 3

Concerns

name description
Urban Migration Instability A third of global residents may leave cities, indicating a risk of instability in urban migration patterns.
Affordability vs. Emotional Satisfaction Rising living costs are pivotal, yet emotional connections to places are critical for retention, creating potential conflicts in urban planning.
Integration of Newcomers New arrivals face a higher likelihood of leaving, suggesting a growing challenge for cities to integrate diverse populations effectively.
Emotional Infrastructure Gap As cities prioritize emotional infrastructure, a lack of investment may hinder urban resilience and long-term growth.
Small City Appeal Smaller cities’ rise may divert resources away from larger urban centers, leading to potential economic disparities.

Behaviors

name description
Emotional Connection in Urban Living Cities are increasingly recognizing the importance of emotional satisfaction and connection in retaining residents.
Shift to Smaller Cities Smaller cities are gaining popularity due to their mix of livability, identity, and affordability, challenging urban migration trends.
Focus on Belonging Municipalities are prioritizing design and policy that foster a sense of belonging and pride among residents.
Investment in Emotional Infrastructure Cities are investing in public spaces and community experiences that enhance emotional well-being and social connection.
High Mobility of New Arrivals Newcomers to cities are more likely to leave if they do not feel integrated, highlighting a need for inclusive community-building efforts.
Holistic Metrics for Urban Success Urban leaders are shifting from traditional growth metrics to those emphasizing emotional and experiential factors.

Technologies

name description
Emotional Infrastructure A design approach focusing on public spaces and community experiences to enhance emotional connection and belonging.
Human-Centric Urban Design Urban planning prioritizing the human experience over traditional metrics of economic growth and infrastructure.
Sustainable Urban Growth Strategies Innovative approaches for urban development that prioritize resilience, equity, and emotional satisfaction.
Cultural Touchpoints in Urban Planning Integration of cultural and community elements into city planning to foster pride and connection.

Issues

name description
Emotional Infrastructure Cities are increasingly focusing on emotional connection and belonging as key components of urban planning and design.
Shift to Smaller Cities Smaller cities are gaining popularity due to livability, identity, and affordability, challenging urban migration trends.
Retention of New Residents There’s a need for cities to integrate newcomers effectively, as they are most likely to consider leaving.
Global South Urbanization Urban life perspectives from the Global South are becoming more prominent, highlighting diverse urban experiences.
Economic Opportunity vs Emotional Satisfaction The balance between economic drivers and emotional satisfaction is critical for long-term urban retention and vitality.