How to Build Cities People Will Love

How to Build Cities People Will Love: A Guide to Human-Centered Urban Planning

Every city in the world is trying to answer the same question: how do we create a future that resonates with people's hearts?

That's the question we explored in a recent urban development study right here in Vancouver, where I live. We wanted to know what matters most to the people who call this place home and to those already planning to move here in the next few years. When we understand what truly drives both groups, we can build a city that feels right for everyone.

The Three Values That Will Shape Vancouver's Future

Our urban planning research revealed three core values that unite current and future Vancouverites. Together, they show us how this city wants to grow.

1. Personal Growth

For people in Vancouver, progress means getting better at the few things that really matter to each of us. What if we created a citywide mentorship exchange where residents teach and learn from each other, focusing on skills that help them grow in the areas they care about most?

2. Personal Responsibility and Civic Engagement

For Vancouverites, this means contributing and following through, being actively part of what's happening in their community. Picture a transparent, citywide volunteer network that lets everyone see the collective impact of their efforts.

3. Positive Environments and Livable Spaces

People here care deeply about spaces that support well-being, places that lift us up. What if every new development had to show how it would bring joy or humanity into the urban experience? Imagine measuring happiness alongside density and square footage.

Just Thought Starters for Urban Designers

I should mention that city planning is outside my expertise. These ideas serve as thought starters, examples of how data about shared human values can help us design better cities. When we understand what people truly care about, urban development becomes more human, more grounded, and far more effective.

A Note About the Urban Research Data

The data we collected for this keynote is far more complex than what I'm able to include in this short commentary. If you're involved in planning the future of cities and you're interested in seeing the full results, please reach out. I'll be happy to share what we found.

And here's the exciting part: we have this community development data for cities across 186 countries worldwide. So even if Vancouver isn't the place you call home, we can still have a fascinating conversation about what matters most where you are.

The Big Insight for City Builders Everywhere

Whether you're an architect, policymaker, developer, or urban designer, the takeaway stays the same: the future of sustainable cities lives in values.

When we understand WHAT MATTERS MOST to the people we're designing for, every urban planning initiative, regardless of scale, becomes more effective, more inspiring, and more loved.

That's how we build cities where people truly belong.

WHAT MATTERS MOST to the people you need to inspire?
Values are the answer. Let’s put them to work.

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Want to know What Matters Most to the people you need to inspire?
Download free guides and resources.
Use the free Valueprint Finder to see how your values compare.
Find out why people call David “The Values Guy.”
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