The world is urbanizing at an unprecedented speed. It is estimated that a surface area equivalent to the city of São Paulo, Milan or Stockholm will be built every week, or an area the size of Singapore or New York every month until 2050. This rapid expansion is outpacing population growth and quality tends to be poor. At the same time small towns and rural areas are struggling with shrinking populations. Communities and nature are under greater pressure than ever.

The Alliance is dedicated to strengthening living places through advancement of a holistic approach to planning, construction and management of buildings, infrastructure, public spaces, and landscapes which emphasizes their diverse cultural and natural contexts and creates places of durable quality.

Seattle Surveillance Working Group