Australia’s cities fuel our economy and define the quality of our urban life. But as Australia’s population ages we need a different strategy for the future. What role can design play in more integrated decision making for a more productive and human-centred city? Adelaide’s 5000+ is a national urban pilot bringing design-based thinking to public policy. Can design be used as a tool to more creatively engage people in shaping the cities we all want? Are design-based methods the key to more effective urban governance? Does Australia’s design community have a role to play?