[Editorial] Urban renewal projects shaken by every election

"We will push through every possible procedure we can by March."
A representative of a reconstruction association I met recently visits the district office’s urban renewal department constantly. He is eager to see the association’s establishment approved as soon as possible. He said, "Since we achieved the required consent rate, we check every day to see whether approval has been granted," adding, "Our goal is to complete the selection of a construction company within the year."
Local governments play a decisive role in urban renewal projects. They oversee the entire process of reconstruction and redevelopment, from approving association establishment and drawing up renewal plans to authorizing project implementation, selecting builders, and approving management and disposal plans. Nothing moves unless the administrative door is open. That is why project sites are already bracing for the local elections four months away. They are anxious that a change of mayor or district head could shift the policy stance.
In practice, the attitude of city and district offices toward renewal projects has shifted depending on the political leaning of the local government head. Once a new leader takes office, related systems and detailed guidelines are often adjusted, causing disruptions to ongoing projects. Concerns about an administrative vacuum during the election period are also significant. If incumbent local leaders resign around March to run for office, city and district offices switch to acting leadership. Even after the early June elections, it takes considerable time for the new heads to be inaugurated, reorganize their teams, and set policy directions.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, reconstruction and redevelopment projects in Seoul take an average of 18 years and 6 months. If any single stage is delayed or runs into trouble because of elections, the entire schedule is pushed back in sequence. This is why a mindset of "Let’s at least file the paperwork before the election" has taken hold.
The problem is that this uncertainty can ultimately lead to supply disruptions. Concerns about a shortage of housing supply in the city center have already become a constant. Even if every possible new development site is squeezed out, it is hard to deny that renewal projects remain the core pillar of urban housing supply. Yet the way project timelines sway with political variables every election cycle is far from a normal policy environment.
Urban renewal is a long-term project directly tied to the structure of the city. If projects that take close to 20 years are shaken by elections held every four years, the burden ultimately falls on citizens. Delays in projects mean reduced supply, which in turn can fuel price instability.
Right now, renewal projects in Seoul are moving not to the rhythm of "market conditions" but to the "election clock." To prevent this abnormal race against time from repeating, there must be a clear message on the consistency and predictability of political and policy decisions. Regardless of who holds power, the overall framework of projects and procedural stability must be maintained. Only then will the sense of urgency and anxiety on the ground begin to ease.
act@fnnews.com Reporter