Urban Renaissance 2.0 Focuses Housing Policy on Local Economic Development

One of the key tenets of Urban Renaissance 2.0 will be housing policy, which aims to encourage regional economic growth while making cities more livable and accessible.
Speaking at the National Housing Program presentation, Minister of Local Government Ervin Demo stated that the new phase of urban development will concentrate on improving public spaces and infrastructure as well as the local economy, quality of life, and opportunities for citizens who choose to settle in various cities across the nation.
The minister claims that by tying housing to the economic and demographic growth of local communities, housing policy also seeks to establish circumstances that will keep young professionals and couples in the areas.
About 700 households will benefit from the winning projects for the 2026 program, which will be co-financed by municipalities to the tune of 35%, according to the minister’s announcement. He urged communities to focus on finding families in need and promptly preparing applications, as the initiative will continue in 2027 with a wider scope.
The minister also discussed territorial development’s 3% contribution, emphasizing that it will be considered as part of a national housing policy. He claims that coordination at the national level will make it possible for towns to obtain funding even if they have fewer new development projects and smaller earnings from this contribution.