Because housing is a human right:

Local non-profits and grassroots leaders know their neighbourhoods inside and out. They’ve earned the trust of their neighbours and understand day-to-day challenges. When they’re part of planning new buildings or roads, they help ensure that projects actually meet their collective needs by lifting people up and reducing poverty.

Right now, many community groups and local leaders are left out of key planning meetings with city officials and developers. Without their input, new developments often miss what existing residents really need. That can lead to fewer jobs, rising rents, and more community spaces and small businesses shutting down, moving away, or failing to meet local needs. Poverty grows, and long-time neighbours get pushed out.

A healthy democracy listens to everyone, not just the powerful or well-funded. A strong economy is one where working people are able to build wealth and own assets. If we continue to shut out grassroots voices, only the richest and most influential will decide how our neighbourhoods change - while everyone else loses.