To improve Spacial Policy Tools for Local Governments in Shrinking small and medium-sized cities

Shrinking communities face a myriad number of problems. The physical manifestation of urban shrinkage can best be noted in abandoned or underutilized properties, an oversupply or deteriorating housing stock and inadequate aging infrastructure. These physical manifestations lead to psychological impacts of poor perception of a community, lack of a sense of place, lethargic residents who lack the financial means or motivation to improve their living conditions. Planning for the regeneration and rightsizing of shrinking communities calls for intervention by government sectors. Revitalization of the urban center is a key issue in the strategy to deal with urban space in shrinking communities. Key topics for urban planning in shrinking communities: - planning in context of urban shrinkage; - twin towns and integrated approaches for cross-border urban policies; - innovative ways for citizen participation in planning – broking apathy and motivating people; - finding balance between heritage protection and improving urban space through demolitions of derelict houses in shrinking cities; - activation of abandoned and underused buildings; finding interim functions and alternative ways for building activation; - supporting entrepreneurship and tackling aging process in shrinking cities.