The participation of ELFAC, and its European Network of Family-Friendly Municipalities and Companies, contributes to putting the family at the center of policies. Raul Sanchez, secretary general of ELFAC, attended the founding meeting in Brussels on 22 June 2026.
Purpose
The Future of Cities Coalition seeks to support the development of liveable, resilient, inclusive, and well-managed cities across Europe. As a pan-European multi-stakeholder initiative, the Coalition brings together cities, civil society, researchers, industry, communities, and other relevant actors to address shared urban challenges through dialogue, practical cooperation, and evidence-based engagement.
At a time when housing, mobility, tourism, local economic resilience, sustainability and urban liveability are increasingly interconnected, the Coalition exists to help identify practical, balanced and forward-looking responses to the pressures facing Europe’s cities and communities.
The Coalition is guided by the belief that no single sector, institution or city can solve these challenges alone. We seek to create an open and trusted space for shared understanding, constructive exchange, and collaborative action at city, national, and European level.
Our vision
We believe Europe’s cities can be more liveable, inclusive, resilient and sustainable when diverse voices work together across sectors and borders.
The Coalition brings together members to address the opportunities and pressures shaping urban life. We recognise that these challenges manifest differently across European cities. Our work is rooted in local realities and strengthened by diverse experiences, perspectives and expertise from across Europe.
The Coalition serves as an independent platform for dialogue and collaboration between industry, policymakers, academic leaders, civil society, local communities, and city representatives.
By turning evidence and ideas into practical recommendations and action, the Coalition seeks to support forward-looking solutions that enhance liveability, economic vitality, and long-term urban resilience across Europe through pilot initiatives, shared learning and collaborative projects.
Our Principles
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, transparent, respectful and constructive environment that encourages dialogue and builds trust across sectors, geographies and communities.
We welcome diverse perspectives, disciplines, and lived experiences as essential to better dialogue and stronger solutions.
Our work is grounded in evidence, practical experience, and local realities. We are committed to constructive and solution-oriented outcomes.
Through dialogue, convenings, and, where relevant, joint initiatives designed to develop and test practical responses to urban challenges in housing, mobility, tourism, local economic resilience, and liveability.
We will amplify shared insights and contribute to public debate and policymaking across Europe by bringing forward lessons and recommendations grounded in real-world experience and pilot projects
Ways of working
The Coalition is convened by a Chair providing strategic direction, and represents the Coalition in relevant policy and stakeholder discussions.
A Secretariat supports the day-to-day coordination of the Coalition including meetings, communications and collaborative activities.
The Coalition will meet periodically, including through in-person meetings where appropriate, to exchange ideas, share experiences, and develop practical responses to shared challenges. Where possible, activities will align with key European policy milestones and opportunities for collective engagement.
Membership
The Coalition brings together organisations and individuals who can contribute expertise, networks, practical experience, or institutional perspectives relevant to the Coalition’s mission. Partners may include associations, trade organisations, NGOs, companies, research bodies, city networks, academic institutions, civil society organisations, or other organisations that share the Coalition’s interest in sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban transformation.
Members are encouraged to contribute to Coalition meetings, discussions and initiatives; contribute ideas and perspectives that help shape the Coalition’s agenda and thematic priorities; support communication and outreach where appropriate; and help broaden the Coalition’s impact across Europe. Partners may also support practical workstreams, including the identification of city challenges, pilot opportunities, or examples of good practice.
Founding members
- Airbnb
- European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC)
- Build Europe
- Global Sustanaible Tourism Council (GSTC)
- Capital European Affairs
To know more about the coalition: https://www.futureofcities.eu/
