Agents of CoExistence: final network report

Across Europe, cities are searching for new ways to strengthen the relationship between public
institutions and the citizens they serve. Local governments face growing expectations for
transparency, inclusion, and responsiveness, while at the same time dealing with complex societal
challenges, increasing polarization, and rapidly changing technologies. Many traditional approaches to
citizen participation no longer meet the needs of contemporary urban societies.
The Agents of Co-Existence (AoCE) Network was created in response to this changing democratic
landscape. Supported by the URBACT IV program, the network brought together nine partner cities
from across Europe to explore one central question:
How can local governments organize themselves to work more effectively, creatively, and
meaningfully with their citizens?