Former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio has advocated for significant changes to urban planning in Melbourne, Australia, to address affordability and diversity concerns. Speaking from experience with New York City, de Blasio asserted that Melbourne “must build higher, denser” to accommodate population growth and reduce housing costs. He suggested increasing housing supply through taller buildings and more compact development as a crucial step towards making the city accessible to a wider range of residents. The former mayor believes that embracing density is essential for fostering a more inclusive and economically vibrant Melbourne. This approach, he argues, mirrors successful strategies implemented in major global cities like New York. De Blasio’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding urban planning and housing policy in Melbourne and Australia more broadly. He frames higher density not as a compromise, but as a necessity for a thriving future.