RegGov & Local Support Groups: Participation processes in integrated neighbourhood development

All URBACT project partners commit to establishing and leading an URBACT Local Support Group to make sure that exchanges have an impact on local practices and policies. This group assembles the main interested parties and local actors concerned by the project topic and the issues the partner is looking to resolve; the groups include local elected officials, representatives of various local administrative departments, representatives of residents/users, etc. URBACT Local Support Groups contribute to implementing transnational activities and producing the Local Action Plan that each partner has to produce as the result of participation in the URBACT programme.

Satu Mare: "From Neighbourhood Development to Citywide Development"

Representatives from various municipal departments and social service institutions participated in the RegGov Local Support Group Meeting in Satu Mare, Romania. The development of the Local Action Plan was an entirely new challenge for the participants and was at first a great source of uneasiness. For this reason they relied heavily on the RegGov Lead Expert to provide structure and moderation, not venturing to take the task upon themselves alone. There was the fear of not being taken seriously by the other group members. The entrance of external support led to the professional and goal-oriented organisation of the process. However, in order to now build sustainable, self-supporting structures, responsibility has to be taken on by the stakeholders in Satu Mare. Participants unanimously agreed that the municipal department "European Information Centre of the Municipality of Satu Mare" should be responsible for managing the future organization of this process.

During this meeting the Local Support Group decided to draft a citywide development strategy for Satu Mare. To this end, the city was divided into seven neighbourhoods. A person will be nominated to be in charge for each neighbourhood. Different departments within the municipal government are going to indicate areas in which there is a need for action based on their specialist knowledge. In seven "Future Conferences" a vision for the neighbourhoods, an agreement as to their problems, priorities and approaches will be discussed. The individual strategies will be joined together into a citywide development strategy for the City of Satu Mare.

Pongrác housing estate in Köbanya: "Planners and citizens from Pongrác working together"

Twenty-two people participated in the Köbanya Local Support Group meeting in Hungary. Participants included representatives from the Köbanya municipal government and spokespersons representing the twenty large privatised apartment buildings in the neighbourhood of Pongrác. The Managing Authority was also present. A planning office proposed ideas for the refurbishment of the neighbourhood and came to an agreement with meeting participants on how to get community residents involved in the process. As people who are familiar with the local situation, participants could ask pertinent questions and discuss relevant issues. All of the participants thought it was important to increase security in the neighbourhood and decrease the amount of through traffic. There were a variety of different opinions, among other things, as to the proper location for playgrounds for children, meeting places for youths, and the placement of park benches. In the end, participants came to an agreement about the suitable time and place for presenting the plans in the neighbourhood. The very different and in part conflicting needs and wishes of the community's elderly population, young families with children and youths will once again present a special challenge to reaching a consensus regarding the plans.

Based on the guidelines of this Local Support Group meeting, the Municipality of Köbanya afterwards organized two forums for the local residents in early June. The first forum was open to all residents, and more than 70 residents turned up. There was a heated debate about the most pressing issues, and a general desire to return to the 'golden age' of the Pongrác housing estate when this place used to be a pleasant and safe neighbourhood. The second forum was organized by the local primary school where the local children (age 6-14) learn. This forum was a very great success; the kids were very active. They were very happy that they have a chance to improve the playgrounds of the Pongrác estate and came up with several creative ideas.

Ruda Slaska: "The excellent women of Kaufhaus"

"Kaufhaus" is an old Polish working-class neighbourhood next to the steelworks dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Many of the residents are poor and are recipients of public assistance. No significant renovations have been undertaken on the housing since its construction. The apartment buildings are heating with coal, and on each floor there are only common bathroom facilities. The first design projects for public spaces are underway. A social work centre and a day care centre have been constructed.

A social worker responsible for the community, Michal Szydlowski, the person  responsible for the URBACT programme in Ruda Slaska, Tomasz Rzezucha, as well as ten active women from the neighbourhood participated in the RegGov Local Support Group Meeting. The women came dressed in work clothes, with gloves and tools because they wanted to lead a neighbourhood clean up after the meeting. The women have a very clear understanding of the problems and needs of the families within the community. They not only criticize; they take initiative to effect change. They played a significant role in arranging the meeting place, where they carry on projects such as Arts and Crafts activities, childcare services, and community breakfasts. They have constructed a garden around the site. They also organize festivals and celebrations in the neighbourhood and put on fashion shows, organize excursions, etc. They are especially proud of the small forest, which they constructed themselves.

The women find it problematic that the City of Ruda Slaska place families with severe social problems in social housing in the neighbourhood without sufficient support. The integration of these difficult families presents a challenge for the social cohesion of the community. Residents have lost confidence in municipal government because promises are quickly made but change is a very slow process. The women would especially like to see public spaces being refurbished more quickly, playgrounds for kids created and have the possibility of receiving funding for small leisure activities such as excursions.


To conclude, the RegGov project emphasizes that integrated approaches to the revitalization of deprived urban neighbourhoods are specially designed to meet the unique needs of each individual community. Just as unique is the involvement of local stakeholders in the development of integrated action plans, which are not only dependent on the political and cultural traditions of each individual country, but also on the democratic culture and the active stakeholders that they have at hand.  The participation at the three Local Support Group meetings was very inspiring.  The cities took on a great responsibility by involving private stakeholders and community residents. At the same time, establishing confidence is a prerequisite for a successful process.


Read more:

• RegGov – URBACT Website
• RegGov 4th Newsletter – PDF
• Download URBACT_LSG_Toolkit_090115.pdf (2.01 MB) – PDF