De Blasio and PM share visions at Melbourne Assembly as Victoria receives $350m liveability funding

Former New York mayor calls for 25% mandated affordable housing in new developments

By LineZotpaper

Published19 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources3 outlets

The Melbourne Assembly, a landmark civic forum hosted by The Age and the University of Melbourne, continued on Tuesday with former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio delivering a keynote address and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese scheduled to speak. Victoria has become the first state to qualify for a federal government bonus, receiving $350 million to improve community infrastructure in growing suburbs and regional hubs, as de Blasio warned that Melbourne developments need 25% mandated affordable housing.

De Blasio, who also toured the city on Monday, described his first Melbourne flat white as "excellent but not unprecedented", comparing it to Italian coffee. Along with world-leading urban planner Carlos Moreno, he gave mixed reviews to Federation Square, praising the Yarra River but noting the square lacked shade and greenery.

In his address, de Blasio is expected to argue that affordable housing supply has failed to keep pace with population and employment changes. "A city without enough affordable housing will simply fail," he said.

The $350 million funding commitment is part of the federal government's bonus scheme for improving services, with Victoria the first state to qualify. The funds will target community infrastructure in fast-growing suburbs and regional centres.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece also addressed the forum. A panel discussion on shaping the city featured de Blasio, former Victorian premier Steve Bracks, Grattan Institute chief executive Aruna Sathanapally, and other experts.

Prime Minister Albanese is scheduled to speak this afternoon, with the Assembly's themes for the day focusing on shaping the city, and innovation and education.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Victoria's $350 million infrastructure bonus is the first under a federal scheme aimed at improving liveability in growing areas, setting a precedent for other states.
De Blasio's call for 25% mandated affordable housing injects an international perspective into Melbourne's housing debate, potentially influencing local policy.
The Melbourne Assembly brings together major political and industry figures to set a long-term vision for the city.

Background

The Melbourne Assembly is a three-day civic forum organised by The Age and the University of Melbourne, bringing together community leaders and decision-makers to shape the city's future. Former New York mayor Bill de Blasio is known for his affordable housing policies during his tenure, while Carlos Moreno developed the concept of the 15-minute city. The federal government's infrastructure bonus rewards states that meet liveability benchmarks.

Key Perspectives

Bill de Blasio: The former mayor argues that mandated affordable housing is essential for a city to succeed, warning that failure to provide it will lead to urban decline. He has called for 25% affordable housing in new Melbourne developments. Federal government: The $350 million bonus for Victoria represents a new funding stream tied to service improvement, with the aim of easing growing pains in expanding suburbs and regional hubs. Critics: The sources do not include specific counter-arguments, but mandated affordable housing targets have historically faced opposition from some developers and local councils concerned about feasibility and costs.

What to Watch

The content of Prime Minister Albanese's speech later today for any housing or infrastructure announcements.
Whether other states will qualify for similar infrastructure bonuses and under what conditions.
Melbourne City Council's response to de Blasio's recommendation on housing targets.

Sources

Melbourne Assembly live: Ex-New York mayor, PM share visions to improve liveability · WA Today - Latest News
Melbourne Assembly live: Ex-New York mayor, PM share visions to improve liveability · Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
Melbourne Assembly live: Ex-New York mayor, PM share visions to improve liveability · Brisbane Times - Latest News

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.

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SupportedDe Blasio and PM share visions at Melbourne Assembly as Victoria receives $350m liveability fundingSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Ex-New York mayor, PM share visions to improve liveability”
SupportedFormer New York mayor calls for 25% mandated affordable housing in new developmentsSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “former New York mayor Bill de Blasio warns that new developments across Melbourne need to have 25 per cent mandated affordable housing”
SupportedVictoria has become the first state to qualify for a federal government bonus, receiving $350 million to improve community infrastructure in growing suburbs and regional hubsSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Victoria will receive $350 million to improve community infrastructure in growing suburbs and regional hubs, making it the first state to qualify for the federal government’s bonus aimed at improving services.”
Supportedde Blasio warned that Melbourne developments need 25% mandated affordable housingSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “former New York mayor Bill de Blasio warns that new developments across Melbourne need to have 25 per cent mandated affordable housing”
SupportedDe Blasio described his first Melbourne flat white as 'excellent but not unprecedented', comparing it to Italian coffeeSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “he described as 'excellent but not unprecedented'. He said it reminded him of the coffee in Italy.”
Partly supportedHe gave mixed reviews to Federation Square, praising the Yarra River but noting the square lacked shade and greenerySydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Urban planning expert Moreno, noted for his 15-minute city concept, described the Yarra River as beautiful, but Federation Square drew mixed reviews from the pair for its lack of shade and greenery.”
SupportedIn his address, de Blasio is expected to argue that affordable housing supply has failed to keep pace with population and employment changesSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “De Blasio will tell Melbourne Assembly that affordable housing supply around the world has failed to keep up with population, employment changes and pricing.”
Supported'A city without enough affordable housing will simply fail,' he saidSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “"A city without enough affordable housing will simply fail," he says.”
Not in the sourcesMelbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece also addressed the forumSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece will also address the forum.”
Not in the sourcesA panel discussion on shaping the city featured de Blasio, former Victorian premier Steve Bracks, Grattan Institute chief executive Aruna Sathanapally, and other expertsSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Waters returns to lead a panel discussion on shaping the city with De Blasio, former Victorian premier Steve Bracks, Grattan Institute chief executive Aruna Sathanapally, Professor Dan Hill...”
SupportedPrime Minister Albanese is scheduled to speak this afternoon, with the Assembly's themes for the day focusing on shaping the city, and innovation and educationSydney Morning Herald - Latest News: “Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address the forum this afternoon. Today’s key themes are shaping the city and innovation and education.”