Building a city for people
The mayor hosted an open informational meeting on housing at 9 a.m. on March 20, 2026, at Reykjavík City Hall.
The award-winning proposal for a new neighborhood at Hallar in Úlfarsárdalur will be presented, along with an update on the formation of an infrastructure company designed to accelerate development in the new neighborhood.
The session provided a comprehensive overview of active construction sites and upcoming project locations. The massive development underway at Ártúnshöfði and Elliðaárósar was a primary focus. Officials announced new lots available for cohousing communities.
How do we build a city for people—a city where everyone has access to a secure home, a good quality of life, and realistic choices, regardless of their background or financial situation?
Time and place
Welcome to Reykjavík City Hall on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 9 to 11 a.m., or watch the live stream. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and a light breakfast will be provided.
Program
- Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, Mayor
The city we're building
Reykjavík City's priorities and opportunities, collaborative projects and Housing Plan.
Watch Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir's presentation.
View the mayor's presentation slides as a PDF — note that videos are not included in this format.
- Hjördís Sóley Sigurðardóttir, head of planning
Award-winning proposal for Hallar and Hamrahlíðarlönd
Planning competition results announced.
Watch Hjördís Sóley Sigurðardóttir's presentation.
View Hjördís's slides. - Award ceremony.
Watch the award ceremony livestream.
- Jóhanna Helgadóttir, architect and urban planner at Nordic Office of Architecture
A new community at the foot of the hills — award-winning proposal for Hollar and Hamrahlíðarlönd
Watch Jóhanna Helgadóttir's presentation.
View Jóhanna's presentation slides.
- Margrét Lilja Gunnarsdóttir, chair of the infrastructure association working group
A new path to a new neighborhood
What's the current status of preparations for an infrastructure partnership to develop a new neighborhood in Icelandic ?
Watch Margrét Lilja Gunnarsdóttir's presentation.
View Margrét's presentation slides.
- Tinna Stefánsdóttir, team leader at Reykjavík City.
Ártúnshöfði development.
When fully built out, the area will have a population similar to Garðabær. How is the conversion from an industrial area to a residential development going?
Watch Tinna Stefánsdóttir's presentation.
View Tinna's slides — note that embedded videos only appear in the recording.
- Ingvi Jónasson, managing director of Klasi.
Borgarhöfði
Development of Klasi in the coming years and the vision for its future. Mixed-use development in the heart of the capital.
Watch Ingvi Jónasson's lecture.
View Ingvi's slides — note that animations do not transfer to the PDF format.
- Þórhildur Bryndís Guðmundsdóttir, architect.
Core communities in Breiðholt and city center.
How core communities have emerged in Reykjavík's housing history. A pilot project will offer lots for core communities.
Watch Þórhildur Bryndís Guðmundsdóttir's lecture.
View Þórhildur's presentation slides.
Visit the cohousing community website.
- Líf G. Gunnlaugsdóttir, project manager at the Department of Environment & Planning.
Main planning process
The main planning processes coordinate and align working methods. How can we have clearer discussions about our approach and which priorities to pursue?
Watch Líf G. Gunnlaugsdóttir's lecture.
View the presentation slides.
- Moderator: Líf Magneudóttir, city councilor
News on residential development
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Frequently asked questions
Why is Reykjavík City holding an open meeting on housing issues?
To review the situation transparently, present the next steps in development and engage with residents and stakeholders. Housing issues affect quality of life, rights and the city's future, so it's vital to inform and listen.
Where is construction happening and what's coming next?
Development is underway throughout the city, including at Ártúnshöfði and is being prepared for in Hallar and Hamrahlíðarland. New planning areas are also taking shape. The goal is to distribute development, strengthen neighborhoods and ensure diverse housing options.
How does the city ensure quality in the built environment?
Through clear requirements for urban design, density, green spaces, services and transportation. Quality matters for the long term, both for residents and the City's operations. The emphasis is on human-centered planning and sustainable development.
How is work being done to increase housing access for youth and lower-income groups?
By partnering with the labor movement and supporting the development of social housing. Work is underway on solutions that help first-time buyers and renters and reduce inequality in the market.
Map view
Where are dwellings being built and what are the main planning areas?
Housing website
Reykjavík's Housing Plans and quarterly reports.
The Green Deal
The Green Deal is Reykjavík City's comprehensive strategy that outlines the City's vision through 2030.
Overview of presentation meetings
Are you looking for more presentations on housing issues? We thought so and collected them on one page.
