Donald Trump je rekel, da je najhujši ameriški župan.

Bill de Blasio, former mayor of New York and a frequent critic of Donald Trump, is turning his attention to Australia, offering insights into urban development strategies for Melbourne. Known for his clashes with Trump over progressive policies, de Blasio now advocates for similar approaches in Melbourne, emphasizing the need for aggressive housing policies to address global shortages. His comments come amid growing concerns over housing affordability and climate change, which he argues require increased housing density around transit hubs. During his tenure as New York's mayor from 2014 to 2021, de Blasio focused on affordable housing initiatives, aiming to provide homes for 300,000 families. He contends that cities worldwide face similar challenges, with housing supply failing to keep pace with population and employment growth. In particular, he highlights the dual crises of climate change and housing affordability, suggesting that expanding housing options near transportation centers could alleviate these issues. De Blasio's views align with the Victorian government's plan to develop 60 activity centers around Melbourne, including areas such as Camberwell, Brighton, Ringwood, and Frankston. These zones aim to increase density and improve accessibility. As part of a broader discussion on Melbourne's future, de Blasio will join Carlos Moreno, the architect of the 15-minute city concept, at a conference organized by The Age and the University of Melbourne in October. The upcoming event, known as the Melbourne Assembly, seeks to gather leading thinkers in city planning, innovation, education, arts, and sports to explore Melbourne's trajectory toward becoming a megacity with a population of nine million by 2050. Discussions will focus on the complexities of rapid urbanization and the ongoing debate over whether Melbourne should prioritize vertical expansion or horizontal growth. De Blasio emphasizes the necessity of governmental involvement in addressing housing crises, noting that while markets play a vital role, they often fall short in meeting the needs of working-class populations. He suggests that in certain regions, reducing bureaucratic hurdles can stimulate housing development, while in others, state-level interventions, such as mandatory inclusionary zoning, are essential. This policy, implemented in New York, mandates that private developers include a percentage of affordable housing units in exchange for permits allowing higher-density construction. Despite the push for such policies, the City of Melbourne has recently shifted away from specific targets for inclusionary zoning, citing current economic conditions as a barrier. Lord Mayor Nick Reece argued that such policies might further restrict housing supply. Meanwhile, the Victorian government has been criticized for applying a less stringent form of inclusionary zoning on public lands, typically requiring only 10 percent of new developments to be affordable housing. Rezoning efforts in New York, particularly in areas like Manhattan and Brooklyn, encountered legal disputes and community resistance due to fears that large-scale developments would disrupt neighborhood character. Critics argue that the current model of constructing high-end towers with minimal affordable housing allocations is detrimental to urban communities. De Blasio acknowledges these challenges but maintains that strategic government intervention remains crucial in balancing development with social equity.