Rebuilding Los Angeles, and other urban transformation stories to read this month

Los Angeles is preparing for an unprecedented reconstruction effort after the wildfires in January which claimed at least 26 lives and burned more than 37,000 acres.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested $40 billion in federal aid to support the rebuilding process. The proposed funding would help with the immediate removal of debris and repairs to homes and businesses, as well as tax credits for low-income housing.

The fires displaced around 150,000 residents and caused extensive damage to the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighbourhoods, in particular.

As the city looks to rebuild, officials are viewing this as an opportunity create a more resilient urban landscape by enhancing climate policies and prevention strategies, including fire-resistant landscaping and building design, as well as public green spaces to create buffer zones.

With the threat of climate change looming, Los Angeles faces the challenge of not just rebuilding, but reimagining its future to better withstand potential disasters.

The Thai government says its 609km section of a high-speed rail link connecting it with China via Laos will be completed by 2030, nearly a decade behind schedule.

The project, estimated to cost $12.9 billion, is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Currently, 36% of the first phase connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima is complete, with plans to extend to Nong Khai on the Laos border.

The rail network aims to boost Thailand's economy, enhance trade with China, and improve regional connectivity. Once operational, it will enable travel from Bangkok to Beijing.

The project faced delays due to financial disagreements, design issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United Arab Emirates has started work on a project to map air corridors for air taxis and cargo drones. The director of the country's civil aviation authority, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, said it marked a "crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of advanced air mobility into the UAE's infrastructure".

Insurers in India are contemplating a 10% to 15% increase in health insurance premiums for residents of New Delhi, following a significant surge in air pollution-related claims in 2024, Reuters reports. This move reflects the growing health impacts of the city's severe air quality issues, which continue to pose major health risks to its inhabitants.

China's new home prices remained unchanged in January, according to official data, indicating that the property sector continues to face challenges in stabilizing demand despite ongoing government efforts to boost sentiment.

The Trump administration announced on 20 February it is withdrawing federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing programme, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion and generate funds for upgrading the subway and bus systems. Within the first month of operation, from 5 January, the congestion pricing had led to 1 million fewer vehicles entering Manhattan and is expected to generate $500 million in revenue in its first year alone

German cities are grappling with significant financial challenges as the country's economy continues to struggle, according to a survey by the German Association of Cities. More than a third (37%) of major cities are unable to balance their budgets, while 47% are relying on reserves to stay afloat.

The UK's Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the government's support for a new runway at London's Heathrow Airport, as part of a strategy to revitalize the economy.

Urban transformation was on the agenda at the Forum's Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, which showed innovation and creative thinking are thriving, with cities providing a testbed for experimentation and action. Here are our key takeaways from discussions among the CEOs and government leaders who attended.

Two cities – Singapore and Barranquilla in Colombia – have enlisted private-sector help to incorporate nature into their infrastructure. Nearly half of Singapore is now green space, making it a world leader in developing nature-first solutions for urban environments. Barranquilla, Colombia has created a series of green rejuvenation projects that also empower local communities through ecotourism and economic opportunities. Here's what you need to know.

Amid growing demand for urban deliveries, many cities globally face increased congestion, higher emissions and road safety concerns. The Forum's Global New Mobility Coalition is uniting stakeholders across the sector to transform the last mile. Several leading companies have signed an Urban Deliveries Ambition Statement, outlining a more sustainable and efficient future. Read our Urban Mobility Lead, Adrienne Gibbs' take here.