RE:START

01/11/2025 30/04/2028

Ongoing

RE:START is a URBACT Transfer Network on boosting the attractiveness of mid-sized cities. It will capitalize the brilliant experience of Idanha-a-Nova [PT] reversing depopulation by creating new pathways for growth, using innovative place branding as a main driver. As an overarching policy concept, place attractiveness is proving to be instrumental to face stagnation or decline - as a change booster or accelerator - but also to provide greater direction to cities in transition or even growing.

RE:START at LinkedIn

The photograph showcases an elevated panoramic view of Monsanto, located in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal. In the foreground, clusters of traditional granite houses with distinctive red-tiled roofs spread across the hillside, creating a harmonious and authentic rural landscape. On the right side of the image, the village church tower stands prominently above the surrounding buildings, serving as a recognizable landmark within the historic settlement.

Beyond the village, the landscape opens onto an expansive valley of rolling hills and agricultural land that stretches toward the horizon. Soft natural light enhances the textures of the stone architecture and highlights the connection between the built environment and the surrounding countryside. The composition conveys a strong sense of place, illustrating how heritage, landscape, and local identity contribute to the attractiveness, resilience, and sustainable development potential of medium-sized cities and territories.

PARTNERS

Lead Partner : Idanha-a-Nova - Portugal

Jonadi - Italy
Loutraki - Greece

Mancomunitat Comarcal de la Marina Alta - Spain
Nyborg - Denmark
Khotyn - Ukraine

Timeline

2026

Network Activation Meeting. Idanha-a-Nova [PT], March 24-25 2026. First in person gathering shaped as an immersive learning on the Idanha´s good practice reversing depopulation by connecting to the idea of rural innovation.

2026

Workshop on Innovative Place Branding. Nyborg [DK], June 17-18 2026. As this practice is at the heart of Recomençar Idanha, understanding its real meaning and scope is pivotal. It provided hands-on content on transformational narratives, imagery, city´s target groups and mix of communications.

2026

Webinar Series. On hot topics related to attractiveness selected by the partner cities, e.g. next gen workplaces in small and midsized cities, out of the box housing formulas, redirecting digital nomads, transforming culture.

2027

Transfer Clinic. Marina Alta [ES]. February 23-24 2027. Focused on the organisational aspects needed to embed attractiveness (approach & function) into city government —skills, breaking competence silos, multilevel governance as funding orchestration, kind of leadership.

2027

Peer-Review Workshop. Jonadi [IT]. An unquestionable exercise in peer-learning frameworks. Ours will focus on reviewing the early drafts of Transfer & Improvement Plans, in two stages, in-workshop and off-workshop tasks and activities.

2027

2028

ScaleUp Final Event. Loutraki [EL]. Partners and other invited cities will showcase their experience on boosting attractiveness and adapting & reusing Idanha´s good practice. Hopefully

2028

ScaleUp Final Event. Loutraki [EL]. Partners and other invited cities will showcase their experience on boosting attractiveness and adapting & reusing Idanha´s good practice. Hopefully