The major historical figure recognized for their focus on urban development challenges is Jane Jacobs. Her influential book, “The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” critiqued conventional urban planning and advocated for community-based approaches to city development. Jacobs emphasized the importance of walkable neighborhoods and mixed-use developments, influencing urban planning and revitalization efforts worldwide. Her ideas reshaped how cities are designed, asserting that successful urban spaces should prioritize the needs and interactions of local residents.