One thing Glasgow’s not been short of lately is opinions on the ‘state of the city’.

There is a tendency for these to focus on the built environment.

Those who know me will know that I’m a big advocate e for the need to protect our heritage buildings and I’m appalled at some of the neglect that is evident across the city.

Much of that is at the hands of absentee private owners, but also, sadly, due to a lack of public investment and, historically, a lack of political will.

READ MORE: Landmark torn down after more than 50 years in Hamilton

But what makes a city is more than bricks and mortar. Glasgow’s story is also written in its communities and its activism.

In social housing campaigns and at Kenmure Street.

In movements to replace the M8 and create a National Park City.

Grassroots efforts like these reflect a city that cares for its people, their environment and their rights.

A sense of belonging and community is essential for any city to thrive. People Make Glasgow, after all.

READ MORE: Glasgow participates in Scottish Ambulance CPR world record attempt

I believe this should give us all hope to move beyond a narrative of decline.

There is an increasing momentum towards creating a city that’s greener, more liveable and better connected.

A city in which more people’s needs are met, and in which citizens have the skills and opportunities to prosper in the economy of the future.

Glasgow’s Green councillors are at the forefront of that positive change.

The conversations about feminist urbanism and 20-minute neighbourhoods are about creating places and delivering services in ways that better meet everyone’s needs.

The introduction of low-emission zones and investment in active travel infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to making Glasgow a more inclusive city. And plans to boost renewable energy, sustainable transport, and green infrastructure are putting the need for a Just Transition at the heart of our economic future.

What we do need is more investment to turbo-charge the delivery of these, and other, transformative plans.

Money is tight. But we cannot let that halt our ambitions.

We need to relentlessly make the case to both national Governments that investing in Glasgow disproportionately benefits Scotland as a whole because of our scale and potential to lead change.

We need more powers to meaningfully intervene in the city’s economy.

Public investment in housing, transport and renewable energy should provide opportunities not just to directly support jobs and skills but also to reinvest in communities through municipal ownership models.

Cutting Glasgow out of discussions on more regional empowerment, like Sir Keir Starmer did this week by excluding us from his Council of Nations and Regions, is entirely unjustified.

We must also be bold in using the powers we already have to raise revenues locally.

Greens will push for ambitious delivery of a Visitor Levy and we will champion the potential for parking levies and road charging to invest in better public transport and active travel.

There’s much to be positive about in the plans for Glasgow’s future, but we must have the funding, power and political will to make it happen.