Asia's rapid urbanization—adding 1.2 billion city dwellers by 2050—is deepening inequality, with 700 million in slums and 65% in informal work. Rising inequality threatens social stability and slows recovery from crises. Thailand's housing programs, Mongolia's flood resilience initiatives, and India's heat-support for informal workers show how community-centered urban planning can build inclusive, resilient cities—critical for SMEs dependent on stable labor markets and supply chains.