Italy addresses housing crises through Ischia protections and Naples urban renewal

In Italy, local administrations are addressing critical social housing challenges through both legislative advocacy and urban regeneration projects. In Lacco Ameno and Ruspe on the island of Ischia, the municipal council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) request to suspend the demolition of primary residences. The move seeks a national framework to regulate demolition orders gradually, aiming to protect families facing homelessness due to a shortage of public housing and emergency accommodations.

Simultaneously, in Naples, the ‘Restart Scampia’ project is progressing as one of Europe’s largest social housing interventions. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi announced that the first phase of the redevelopment of the Vele district will be completed by December. This phase includes 97 new apartments designed to house approximately 300 residents displaced by previous demolitions. Supported by approximately 159 million euros in funding from PNRR and other sources, the broader masterplan aims to transform the 200,000-square-meter area through the construction of 509 new homes, improved infrastructure, and public services.