Joel Even and the Transformation of Jerusalem's Urban Landscape

In recent years, the city of Jerusalem has witnessed a significant surge in development and construction, largely overseen by Joel Even, the main engineer of the Jerusalem Municipality. From the data provided by the Planning Administration at the Ministry of the Interior, it is evident that in 2023 alone, planning committees approved an impressive 16,928 housing units.

This construction boom is expected to continue, with approximately 8,000 building permits forecasted for 2024. Even’s strategic vision and hands-on approach have been pivotal in accelerating this growth, positioning Jerusalem as a national leader in urban development.

The Jerusalem Municipality has been actively working to increase the supply of housing units through various urban renewal projects. These initiatives focus on strengthening and rebuilding old, dilapidated buildings, which not only enhances living conditions but also preserves the city's green spaces.

With Jerusalem’s population projected to grow from its current one million to 1.5 million within the next 20 years, this sustainable development approach is crucial. The Municipality’s ‘Neighborhood Projector’ project exemplifies this effort, bringing together municipal bodies to address demographic growth and urban renewal challenges, thereby issuing permits for over 20,000 new housing units between 2021 and 2023.

Joel Even attributes the increased construction volumes to streamlined processes in issuing building permits and plan approvals. Unlike previous years where only 2,000 to 2,500 permits were issued annually, recent years have seen a dramatic rise with over 5,000 permits in 2021, over 7,000 in 2022, and around 7,500 in 2023.

This significant increase is a testament to the municipality's commitment to reducing bureaucracy and solving barriers to construction. Even established a development department to focus on taking approved plans and facilitating their implementation, thus encouraging more entrepreneurs to invest in Jerusalem’s growing real estate market.

Urban renewal remains a central focus in Jerusalem's development strategy. With many neighborhoods dating back to the mid-20th century, the city has prioritized projects that promote eviction-construction and infrastructure development, while preserving its historic and green spaces. Companies like Africa Israel, Azorim, and Yehuda Rahami are key players in this transformation, driven by strong municipal support and high demand for both residential and commercial properties. This coordinated effort ensures that Jerusalem not only meets its housing needs but also enhances its overall urban fabric, making it a resilient and vibrant capital city.

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