Current Focus of Urban Renewal in Israel

Currently, urban renewal efforts in Israel are primarily focused on creating new housing units as a response to the nationwide housing crisis. The emphasis has been largely on physical renewal, but to fully optimize the potential of these efforts, there must be a shift toward integrating social and community renewal alongside the physical developments. This approach will not only address housing needs, but will also enhance the overall quality of life for residents in older neighborhoods.

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Establishment of the Urban Renewal Research Center

The Urban Renewal Research Center was established through a strategic partnership between the Yad Hanadiv, the Shahaf Foundation, and the Governmental Authority for Urban Renewal.

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The Center acts as a central hub for advancing and nurturing urban renewal processes through a multi-sectoral approach. Its goal is to improve the quality of life and mobility for residents of older and underserved neighborhoods while fostering urban and community well-being throughout Israel.

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A Holistic Approach to Urban Renewal

Shahaf Foundation and the Center are dedicated to a holistic approach that places residents and their quality of life at the core of the renewal process. This approach aims to create a new urban reality in which renewal leads not only to physical improvements, but also to stronger community-building processes, educational systems, culture, the local economy, and enhancement of personal safety. These processes will enhance community resilience and improve the overall quality of life for neighborhood residents.

 

Key Areas of Focus

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Research and Knowledge Development

The Center will promote research, organize professional knowledge from both Israel and abroad, and develop innovative methods for data organization and collection. These efforts will create a solid foundation for advancing policies and processes that align with the Center’s objectives. By prioritizing knowledge development, the Center seeks to support more effective and informed urban renewal strategies.

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Field Implementation and Experimentation

The Center will focus on developing innovative models and tools that can be applied in selected neighborhoods. This will be done in partnership with local authorities, municipal administrations, civil society organizations, the Governmental Authority for Urban Renewal, and relevant government ministries. Additionally, the Center will work on disseminating knowledge to key players in urban renewal and integrate new insights through specialized training programs that promote a holistic approach to urban renewal.

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Evaluation and Measurement

The Center will develop new evaluation and measurement processes that place residents' quality of life as a central metric for assessing the success of urban renewal projects in Israel. These processes will be based on community and quality-of-life indicators provided by the Central Bureau of Statistics. This evaluation framework will help ensure that urban renewal efforts produce tangible improvements in the lives of residents.

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Shahaf Foundation’s Commitment to Change

Shahaf Foundation is committed to driving a fundamental shift in the perception of urban renewal in Israel. By developing knowledge, tools, and policies that emphasize social aspects, the Foundation aims to integrate these considerations into national-level urban renewal processes. This will contribute to the creation of inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable cities across Israel.