Drivers of public participation in urban regeneration: an integrated choice and latent variable analysis

Resident participation is essential to the success of urban regeneration, ensuring plans align with local needs and foster community consensus. However, limited studies have examined residents' renewal preferences and the role of socio-psychological factors in shaping them. This study investigates how facility features, psychological factors, and individual characteristics influence the choice of renewable energy plans. Using data collected through a face-to-face survey, we estimated an integrated choice and latent-variable model. Results show that plans emphasizing green space, public activity areas, and electric vehicle charging stations are most favored. Among psychological factors, social influence, place attachment, and social trust emerge as key latent drivers. The relatively weaker sense of community among younger, short-term, and less educated residents highlights an opportunity to tailor communication and engagement efforts to increase their support for renewal initiatives. These findings highlight the importance of consensus-building in the renewal process and underscore the need for strategies that strengthen public acceptance, providing policymakers with a practical pathway to design effective urban regeneration programs.