Urban livelihood concerns have become increasingly complex in the context of rapid urbanization, globalization, and technological transformation. Cities attract large populations due to the promise of employment, better education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, yet they also expose residents to significant vulnerabilities. Livelihoods in urban settings are shaped by formal and informal sectors, fluctuating markets, and infrastructure limitations, and they are influenced by policy frameworks that may or may not prioritize inclusivity and equity. Understanding these livelihood concerns is essential to developing a framework and strategies for sustainable urban livelihoods that align with the goals of sustainable development and smart cities. One of the foremost concerns in urban livelihoods is the dominance of the informal sector. A large proportion of urban residents, particularly migrants and marginalized groups, are employed in unregulated activities such as street vending, domestic work, construction labor, and waste collection. These jobs often lack job security, fair wages, and social protection, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation and sudden shocks such as economic downturns or public health crises. While the informal sector is a significant contributor to urban economies, its unrecognized status in many policy frameworks exacerbates precarity. Another critical concern is unemployment and underemployment. Rapid migration to urban centers has led to a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of the urban workforce. Even in cities with thriving industries, the growth of high-skilled sectors often leaves low-skilled workers marginalized. Youth unemployment is particularly acute, and women face gendered barriers in accessing stable employment. These factors result in underutilization of human capital and perpetuation of poverty cycles. Housing insecurity is a parallel issue closely tied to livelihoods. Affordable and adequate housing remains out of reach for many urban poor, leading to the proliferation of slums and informal settlements. Livelihoods in such areas are vulnerable due to insecure tenure, lack of basic services, and frequent eviction threats. Furthermore, the absence of infrastructure like sanitation, clean water, and transport undermines the ability of residents to engage