Webinar on (mis)matches between policies and real estate activities

On December 3, 2021, the Connect21 Webinar Seminar held its third session, which focused on the effects of Covid19 on the creation of (mis)matches between urban policies and real estate industry activities. v

Real estate actors have traditionally been quick to adapt to market fluctuations, but they often complain about the lack of flexibility from the public sector. Meanwhile, public sector actors have to navigate complicated administrative processes to change existing regulations, visions, and targets. However, the Covid19 pandemic has triggered far-reaching changes in a short amount of time that required responses from both the property industry and the public sector.

The speakers at the webinar were Phil Allmendinger, Professor of Land Economy at Cambridge University; Ann Verhetsel, Professor of Economic Geography at the University of Antwerp; and Tuna Tasan-Kok, Professor of Urban Governance and Planning at the University of Amsterdam.

During the session, the experts explored the trends that have emerged as a result of Covid19, ranging from office conversions to temporary property uses and suburban development activities. They also discussed how local planners, policy makers, and real estate industry actors are reflecting on these trends and devising their respective strategies.

One of the key themes that emerged from the session was the need for greater collaboration and communication between the public and private sectors in order to create more responsive and adaptive urban policies. The speakers highlighted the importance of breaking down silos and working together to create more flexible and dynamic planning frameworks that can respond to changing circumstances.