Working with the Community

	Our Approach
	Social Impact Assessment
	District Advisory Committees
	Urban Renewal Social Service Teams

The URA places a high priority on balancing the interests and needs of all segments of the urban community affected by the process of urban renewal and its other areas of activity. The views of local people are sought through different means such as direct communication with residents, professional bodies, academics, NGOs, Legislative Councillors, District Councillors, property, businesses, and stakeholder representatives. District Advisory Committees, comprising members from different walks of life, are established by the URA to reflect the views and aspirations of the local community and provide advice on urban renewal concerns at the district level. The URA also conducts social impact assessments to identify those people affected by redevelopment projects and carry out mitigation measures to help manage the process of change in the least disruptive manner.

Urban renewal inevitably involves human issues apart from home relocation and cash compensation. To help those with difficulties in setting up new homes elsewhere, the URA has devised a package of special services such as offering the affected owners enhanced down-payments when acquiring their properties, helping them find replacement flats and arranging bridging loans, providing them with temporary accommodation and furniture storage, and assisting them in house moving.

To those affected residents who have family and personal problems, the URA's frontline staff handle each case with patience and compassion and work hand in hand with the social service teams to provide professional counseling and practical assistance to those in need of help.

Last Update at : 06/03/2006