What makes a city a good place to live? Is it more towers, more commerce, or rather the quality of life on the street, the sidewalk, and in public gardens?
A line of leaders in real estate, planning, and renovations gathered last week for an open discussion on these questions, presenting a different picture of construction - one that starts with people, not numbers. The event took place in Tel Aviv as part of the "Building the Country" conference by Real Estate Media.
Six women, six different voices, but one message: the Israel of tomorrow cannot be built solely from master plans and apartment numbers. It must be a place where community, unity, and quality of life are at the center.
The panel, moderated by Roni Lugassy Cohen - CEO of the Oren Cohen Group for the past five years - focused on women who are leading the future of planning, construction, and infrastructure in Israel. Lugassy Cohen led a sharp, focused discussion on city doubling, advanced infrastructure, and community development, emphasizing the contribution of women to shaping the urban environment. On stage, senior industry leaders gathered to present the challenges and vision involved in building ‘the home called Israel.
Lizy Delaricha, Mayor of Ganei Tikva, explained how a new neighborhood can become a growth engine: "We are planning a space where residents can live, work, and enjoy themselves without having to travel far from home. At the same time, developers receive incentives and concessions-so the city benefits from revenue that is reinvested in education, culture, and community services." She emphasized further, "We cannot continue to build without a new social contract. If we don’t learn to cooperate, we cannot ensure a stable future for the country."
"In the end, it’s not just apartment numbers, it’s the child in the stroller."
Ola Axelrod, Director of the Metro Division at the Planning Administration, presented a different approach to the question of what constitutes good infrastructure: "In the end, it’s not just apartment numbers. It’s the child in the stroller, the woman on the street, or the elderly person in the neighborhood. They are the real users of the city. If we don’t see them in planning, we will end up with dense, soulless cities."
According to her, investment in transportation and public space must be holistic: wide sidewalks, pedestrian connections, and pleasant walking areas, not just railway tracks and master plans.
Shira Brand, Deputy Chair of the National Planning Headquarters, expanded the perspective: "We plan for decades ahead-2040 and even 2050. Technological changes will alter the labor market and transportation. If we don’t prepare now, we will find ourselves chasing reality instead of leading it."
"There must be real revenue sharing between cities."
Tamar Poriya, Planning Vice President at ICR, added: "A country enables-it’s the place where I want my daughters to grow up. A good project is not just real estate; it creates a life experience, quality public space, and an active community."
Dr. Rina Dgani, CEO of the Geocartography Institute, pointed out a gap in the economic picture: "It is impossible for each local authority to chase employment sources alone. There must be real revenue sharing between cities. It’s not just a matter of fairness-it’s a condition for a healthy and stable urban system."
Attorney Natali Shimon Weinstein, CEO of the Association of Renovation Contractors, focused on the immediate challenge of the industry, "We are missing 15,000 workers. Without a skilled workforce for renovations and finishing, we cannot restore buildings or guarantee an adequate level for residents. The state must create a proper employment mix, otherwise, we will remain dependent on imported workers."