The Spatial Development Strategy is being developed with communities, businesses, local authorities and partners from across the West Midlands.
The views, experiences and local knowledge of the people who live and work here are essential to creating a strategy that reflects the needs of the region.
There will be opportunities to share your views throughout the development of the SDS, and we'll continue to publish updates on how engagement is helping shape the strategy.
How we've engaged so far
Throughout the development of the Spatial Development Strategy we've been working with residents, community groups, businesses, local authorities and specialist organisations to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing the West Midlands.
Explore some of the engagement activities
Residents' Assembly
Residents from across the West Midlands have come together to discuss the future of the region and help inform the development of the Spatial Development Strategy.
Their views will help shape future decisions and ensure the strategy reflects a broad range of experiences.
West Midlands Planning Symposium
In November 2025, we hosted the West Midlands Planning Symposium to kick off work on the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS).
The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across the region for a day of presentations, panel discussions and interactive workshops. Participants were encouraged to share their views, challenge ideas and help shape the conversation, with many continuing to contribute to the development of the SDS beyond the event.
Public questionnaires
Online surveys and questionnaires give residents and organisations the opportunity to share their views on the future of the West Midlands.
Between November and December 2025, we ran a public questionnaire to understand what people who live, work and visit the West Midlands think about their region.
More than 1,000 people engaged with questionnaire. You can view a summary of the findings here.
Community Researchers
Working with diverse local communities to better understand how places are changing and the priorities that matter most to residents.
We worked with community researchers across the Combined Authority area to engage a wider range of people in the public questionnaire, helping us reach communities that are often underrepresented in consultation activities. This was followed by a workshop that brought the findings to life through first-hand accounts and lived experiences, adding valuable narrative to the issues affecting communities across the region.
Findings report available here.
Youth workshops
Young people are helping shape the future of the region by sharing their ideas and priorities through dedicated workshops and engagement activities.
Three workshops, held between August and September 2026, explored the issues that matter most to young people in the West Midlands. Participants discussed their priorities for the future, the trade-offs they think decision-makers should consider, and what they like and dislike about living, working and studying in the region.
The insights gathered will help inform the vision and direction of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS).
Community events and pop-ups
Alongside the questionnaire we hosted seven pop-ups across the Combined Authority area to help raise awareness of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS).
We'll continue attending events across the West Midlands to speak with residents, answer questions and gather feedback throughout the development of the strategy.
Future opportunities
There will be more opportunities to take part. The Spatial Development Strategy will be carried out in stages, with formal consultation taking place as the project progresses.
Future opportunities to get involved will be published here, including consultations, engagement events and online activities.
Check back for future engagement opportunities.