Why Quality of Life Matters for Shrinking Cities
Many European cities, particularly small and medium-sized ones, are facing population decline due to demographic trends, economic shifts, and migration patterns. For these shrinking cities, improving quality of life is key to attracting and retaining residents. A high quality of life can help cities remain attractive despite demographic challenges, offering a competitive advantage by fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring access to opportunities for all. Cities experiencing decline often struggle with negative perceptions, which further exacerbates their difficulties in attracting investment and new residents. By enhancing their quality of life, these cities can shift narratives and demonstrate their potential as desirable places to live and work.
City Attraction and Quality of Life
The ability of a city to attract and retain residents is closely linked to the quality of life it offers. People decide where to live based on a combination of factors, including job opportunities, cost of living, social life, safety, and access to nature. Big cities often attract people due to their economic opportunities and cultural life, while smaller cities can compete by offering a better work-life balance, affordability, and a sense of community. Factors such as access to education, healthcare, and recreational activities also play a role in these decisions. Additionally, cities that actively promote sustainability and innovation in their services often become more attractive to younger generations.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Small and Big Cities
Big Cities:
- Strengths: Job opportunities, diverse cultural life, advanced infrastructure, and international connectivity.
- Weaknesses: High cost of living, congestion, pollution, and sometimes a weaker sense of community.
Small Cities (Shrinking Cities):
- Strengths: Affordable housing, access to nature, less congestion, stronger community ties, and lower crime rates.
- Weaknesses: Limited job opportunities, fewer services and amenities, risk of social isolation, and slower economic growth.
Examples of Small European Cities Improving Quality of Life
Several small and medium-sized cities in Europe have successfully implemented strategies to improve their quality of life and attract new residents. Some key examples include:
- Altena (Germany): Facing population decline and economic downturn, Altena launched innovative housing and integration programmes to attract new residents, particularly refugees. By transforming vacant properties into affordable homes and fostering community involvement, the city revitalised its social fabric.
- Ostrava (Czech Republic): Once heavily industrial, Ostrava has focused on greening its urban spaces and enhancing cultural and educational opportunities. The city's efforts to reduce pollution, restore historical areas, and invest in public transport have significantly improved its attractiveness.
- Kaunas (Lithuania): As a European Capital of Culture, Kaunas has leveraged cultural initiatives and creative industries to boost its image and appeal. Investments in public spaces, tourism, and heritage preservation have played a key role in making the city more liveable.
- Chemnitz (Germany): Through urban renewal and community-driven projects, Chemnitz has turned abandoned industrial areas into vibrant public spaces. Its focus on participatory governance and local identity has strengthened social cohesion and improved residents' satisfaction.
Although the case study cities are implementing promising initiatives, the effects on quality of life and population dynamics unfold over the medium to long term. Urban regeneration and demographic trends take time to materialise, requiring sustained efforts and continuous assessment to ensure meaningful progress.
Case Study: Pamplona's Approach to Measuring Quality of Life
Since 2018, Pamplona, Spain, has been developing a strategic urban plan with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life. To assess progress, the city adopted the same methodology as the European Commission’s Quality of Life in European Cities report, which was published in 2019 and 2023. Pamplona conducted surveys in 2018 and 2022, gathering responses from 700 residents to gauge perceptions on various aspects of urban living. This approach allowed them to compare their results with the 83 cities included in the EU report and track trends over time.
The findings revealed that 97.6% of respondents were satisfied with living in Pamplona, making it the third highest-rated city in Europe in comparison to the EU report. However, challenges remained: only 24.2% believed it was easy to find a house at a reasonable price, while 57.0% thought it was easy to find a good job.
During the workshop, cities were invited to consider conducting a similar survey, using a smaller sample of 380 people. This would allow them to benchmark their results against the EU report and establish a foundation for measuring and improving quality of life in their own contexts.
