The Vision 2074 Strategy Office defines the long-term strategic goals of the Izmir Planning Agency and provides guidance for planning processes. As one of IZPA’s main strategic outputs, the office draws a 50-year roadmap for the city through the Vision 2074 Framework Document, developed to provide solutions to Izmir’s multifaceted urban challenges. Based on the principles of New Generation Municipalism—green transition (sustainability), digital transition (technology), and social transition (participation)—the Vision 2074 Framework Document presents a comprehensive vision for Izmir aligned with the missions of a Sustainable City-Region Ecosystem, Fair and Balanced Development, and Transformative Social Innovation.
Participatory Strategy Documents and Guidebooks
The Vision 2074 Strategy Office conducts participatory strategic planning activities through the established stakeholder ecosystem. In addition to the Vision 2074 Framework Document, the office provides a range of resources to guide other local governments wishing to prepare strategy documents. The Vision 2074 Handbook, Vision 2074 Action Book, and Vision 2074 Best Practices Book serve as guiding resources for strategic planning processes. In addition, strategy documents are prepared on key thematic topics such as Urban Thematic Economic Zones, Affordable Housing Supply and Access, Tourism, Agriculture, Demography, and Urbanization Trends.
“What Kind of Izmir?” Panel Series and Strategy Development Process
The preparation of the Vision 2074 Framework Document is shaped through a comprehensive approach based on participation and collaboration. This process progresses in coordination with the identification of key sectoral strategies, the development of alternative scenarios through an exploratory scenario approach, citizen science practices, the vision-setting process, and physical planning processes. The panel series titled “What Kind of Izmir?”, organized by the Vision 2074 Strategy Office, stands out as an important participatory process aimed at generating strategies for the future of Izmir. In this way, the Vision 2074 Strategy Office offers a strategic roadmap and an unprecedented adaptive planning approach aimed at building a sustainable, fair, and innovative future for Izmir.
Exploratory Scenario Approach
The office develops multiple scenarios through an exploratory scenario approach to address potential multiple crises that may arise within Izmir’s 50-year vision and to ensure that urban development remains adaptive and resilient. By utilizing innovative methods such as scenario design competitions and citizen science practices, it conducts a process that encourages the participation of stakeholders across the city. Through this participatory and adaptive planning model, strategic goals and action plans are addressed from a broad perspective. During the preparation of the Vision 2074 Framework Document, in order to communicate the exploratory scenarios developed for missions, core strategies, and targets in the most understandable way to professional groups outside planning and design disciplines as well as to the public, three-dimensional modeling and visualizations at the urban design scale are preferred in addition to two-dimensional strategic spatial plans.
Coordination with Strategic and Spatial Plans
The Vision 2074 Framework Document serves as a guiding reference for the five-year strategic plans of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and for the 1/25,000 scale Izmir Master Development Plan and its Revision (2024–2054), which will direct the long-term development of the city. In this context, Vision 2074 is positioned at the top of Izmir’s planning hierarchy and provides a strategic framework that shapes the city’s future. Offices within the IZPA ecosystem work together to develop the vision document through a participatory process across the entire city of Izmir and in pilot implementation areas.
Main Functions and Objectives of the Vision 2074 Strategy Office
Strategic Vision Production and Exploratory Scenario Approach: The office develops multiple scenarios through the exploratory scenario approach in order to overcome potential crises within the 50-year vision and aims to ensure that urban development remains adaptive and resilient.
Integration of Spatial Plans and Urban Design: The office integrates two-dimensional strategic spatial plans with three-dimensional modeling and visualization at the urban design scale. This approach helps communicate exploratory scenarios to experts outside planning and design disciplines as well as to the public, and strengthens citizen participation.
Participatory Vision Development: The Vision 2074 Framework Document is developed through an inclusive and participatory process involving a broad stakeholder ecosystem—including citizens, experts, and local government units—with the support of the Active Citizenship Office and citizen science practices.
Guidance for Urban Development: The Vision 2074 Framework Document guides Izmir’s five-year strategic plans and the 1/25,000 scale Izmir Master Development Plan and its Revision (2024–2054).
Interdisciplinary Partnerships: The office collaborates with other IZPA offices and external stakeholders through joint initiatives and scenario design competitions.
Impact and Vision: The office aims to embed the principles of sustainability, technology, and participation into every stage of Izmir’s urban development. By continuously improving the Vision 2074 Framework Document through feedback-oriented and participatory processes, it ensures that Izmir remains prepared for future multiple crises and continues to be a leading city in sustainable urban planning.
