A behavioral framework for resident judgement: engagement, capability, and support for urban densification in Geelong, Australia

This paper examines how residents evaluate strategic urban densification proposals. Drawing on mixed-methods research from two urban design frameworks in Geelong, Australia (survey n = 72; interviews n = 18), it analyses how place attachment, heuristic–systematic information processing, and perceived adequacy of consultation shape residents’ judgements . Results show that judgements were shaped by bounded cognitive processes, planning knowledge, heuristic cues, and perceptions of procedural fairness. Perceived adequacy of consultation emerged as the strongest predictor of support, shaping how proposals are interpreted. The findings demonstrate the value of behavioral perspectives for understanding community responses to densification and planning engagement.