From Plans to Impact: How Collaboration Drives Urban Transformation in U.R. IMPACT
U.R. IMPACT, co-funded by the URBACT IV European program and led by the Municipality of Cinisello Balsamo, is rethinking urban regeneration by focusing on social impact and community engagement. Its goal is to help ten diverse cities craft Integrated Action Plans (IAPs) that address societal challenges while enhancing economic, social, and environmental well-being. By fostering collaboration and prioritizing citizen welfare, U.R. IMPACT is empowering cities to turn revitalization efforts into tools for transformation.
At the midpoint of this journey, I have had the privilege, as Lead Expert, to observe how the network is evolving, overcoming challenges, and growing stronger. These insights emerged from a comprehensive Mid-Term Reflection (MTR) process, which included a partner survey, a dedicated MTR meeting held in Bovec, and one-on-one discussions with each partner. Together, these activities provided a deep understanding of the progress made so far and the dynamic interplay of creativity, collaboration, and adaptability driving that progress.
1. Testing Ideas Through Collaboration
At the heart of U.R. IMPACT is the belief that cities learn best by doing—and by learning from one another. Partners consistently highlight the value of testing actions, which allow them to experiment with ideas, gather insights, and engage their communities.
These short-term interventions are more than just pilots; they’re stepping stones toward robust IAPs. For instance:
• In Mértola, youth explored their historic center, documenting its strengths and challenges through photography and creative writing, culminating in a collaborative book.
• Murcia’s "South Connection Exhibition" created an open dialogue between citizens and decision-makers, showcasing the transformative potential of urban regeneration.
• Broumov turned its main square into an open stage, revitalizing civic engagement through citizen-led events.
Collaboration plays a critical role in refining these actions. Peer feedback and shared learning have enabled cities like Hannut to improve their initiatives following the experience of Cinisello Balsamo, while Bielsko-Biała adapted ideas from Mértola to create locally resonant solutions. This dynamic exchange ensures that no city works in isolation.
2. Integration: A Multidimensional Challenge
A defining goal of U.R. IMPACT is to embed the 12 aspects of integrated urban development into every IAP, ensuring that plans address challenges holistically and sustainably. Achieving this integration means aligning efforts across sectors, stakeholders, and timelines.
Integration in Action:
Stakeholder Involvement: Cities like Cinisello Balsamo and Longford have prioritized inclusivity, using innovative approaches like facilitated workshops and stakeholder mapping to ensure diverse participation.
• Coherence with Existing Strategies: Cities such as Bielsko Biała, Murcia and Hannut have effectively aligned their IAPs with broader municipal plans, strengthening both feasibility and impact.
• Sustainable Development: While partners recognize the importance of integrating social, economic, and environmental dimensions, some are still finding ways to demonstrate the interconnectedness of these pillars.
• Integration Over Time: Many IAP drafts initially focus on short-term actions, but partners are now incorporating longer timelines to ensure continuity and resilience.
Sectoral integration is where the network truly excels. Collaborative ULG meetings and cross-departmental cooperation have enabled cities to bridge silos, creating cohesive, impactful plans.
3. Capacity Building: Investing in Skills and Knowledge
One of U.R. IMPACT’s most valued feature is its emphasis on capacity building—not only in technical knowledge but also in soft skills like facilitation, negotiation, and collaboration. These often-overlooked areas are critical for creating confident, capable urban leaders.
Through workshops, peer reviews, and thematic sessions, partners have deepened their understanding of integrated planning, stakeholder engagement, and impact evaluation. At the same time, they’ve gained practical skills that enhance their ability to foster civic participation and build consensus.
Cities like Bovec, Kamza and Hannut have directly benefited from these efforts, improving internal coordination and stakeholder engagement. By investing in people as much as in plans, U.R. IMPACT is empowering cities to tackle complex challenges head-on.
4. Adapting to Political Realities
Urban development rarely unfolds in a vacuum, and political changes can disrupt even the best-laid plans. In U.R. IMPACT, partners are learning how to navigate these realities while maintaining progress:
• In Târgu Frumos, the loss of the city’s primary contact following elections created concerns about the continuity of its IAP.
• In Kamza, upcoming elections delayed local engagement and prompted changes to the transnational meeting schedule.
These challenges underscore the importance of building coalitions that go beyond politics. By involving politically neutral stakeholders, such as NGOs and community leaders, cities can safeguard progress and maintain momentum. Proactive communication and stakeholder engagement kits are also helping partners adapt to uncertainty and keep their plans on track.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
As U.R. IMPACT enters its next phase, the network is focused on refining IAPs, addressing thematic gaps, and building on the strengths of its collaboration. Peer learning, capacity building, and integration will remain at the forefront, ensuring that each city delivers impactful and sustainable urban regeneration plans.
What makes U.R. IMPACT truly unique, however, is its people. By fostering a culture of collaboration, building critical skills, and creating space for shared learning, the network is setting a powerful example of how cities can come together to tackle shared challenges.
At its core, U.R. IMPACT is more than a project—it’s a Network to rethink urban renewal with citizens at the center. By fostering collaboration, empowering people, and prioritizing social impact, the network is proving that meaningful change is possible—and that the best solutions emerge when we work together.
Follow U.R. IMPACT’s journey and explore how collaboration is turning urban challenges into opportunities.
