Re-grow City, the URBACT Transfer Network which promotes strategic ways and methods to fight the results of shrinkage, is not only a network of different European Cities, but a network of Mayors who are supporting the work of their local coordinators.
Projects may have motivated and qualified local coordinators, but missing political support and a lack of understanding of political authorities may stand in the way of development and reduce final results. Therefore the understanding and interest of municipalities’ political level concerning the project is a central factor for a successful project.
URBACT Transfer Network Re-growCity faces the challenges of long term decline in smaller cities and promotes strategies to tackle negative effects. The interest in the project was already high during time of application in 2017 and 2018. All in all 25 employees of municipalities and mayors of European cities applied to promote their cities and participate in the project. Unfortunately only seven cities could be selected and work with Altena (Lead Partner) in the Transfer Network Re-growCity.
The Network managed to not only link eight European smaller towns and a Lead Expert, but also Mayors, who are involved and are looking forward for the theoretical and practical work. Each transfer meeting and thematic hub was also a meeting of Mayors who presented and promoted their cities. The understanding and learning of strategies to face shrinkage is recognized not only as a short term project, but a long term change of political and strategic thinking.
Speaking at the same level and learning from each others political and strategic actions is a main effect for involved administrations and politics. A Mayor- Factor that promises success!
