NEW YORK, NY December 13, 2006 —Now is the time to start planning for the city's projected population of 9 million people by the year 2030, according to Mayor Bloomberg. He's charged the Office of Sustainability with developing an action plan to create more housing, open spaces and a greater mass transit capacity.

REPORTER: The business community stands behind the mayor's future planning. Kathryn Wilde with the Partnership for New York City says the mayor is creating a model for other cities to follow.

WILDE: We've gotta be prepared to deal with the consequences with this almost surprising turn around in our economy and growth that has emerged with the forced of globalization.

REPORTER: The mayor wants the public to participate in the planning process. A brochure about the city's challenges will go out next week in local papers and meetings will be held throughout the five boroughs. New Yorkers can also offer suggestions via the city's website.