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  • ileana Toscano

    I am an urban facilitator, passionate about community planning and social innovation to foster positive changes in cities, taking care that none is left behind. In my 19 years in the profession I have worked on several international and national projects, developing sound skills in applying innovative participatory methods for engaging with multi-level stakeholders and supporting the learning and experimenting processes for urban environments at local and transnational level.

    My profound interest in inclusive urban planning and my experience in this sector led me in 2006 to be a founding member of Kallipolis, a non-profit organisation based in Trieste (Italy), dealing with sustainable urban development, inspired by the principles of the United Nations Habitat Agenda. As Kallipolis’ boarding team member (and president from 2006 to February 2020) I have designed, monitored and coordinated several cooperation projects, funded through international, cross-border or transnational cooperation on urban sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, France, Vietnam, Argentina, Albania, Lebanon, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. In the implementation of these projects, which all had an urban development focus, I worked with Local Authorities, NGOs and civil society organisations.

    In addition to my work at Kallipolis, I have been engaged as a urban expert in several international projects, carried out by Municipalities, non-governmental and governmental organisations and Universities in Ecuador, Algeria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and several EU Countries. Among others I have had the opportunity to work for UN-Habitat in Cambodia, Urban Innovative Actions, in Almeria (Spain), the Council of Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina and URBACT in several EU cities.

    From 2018 to 2022 I worked as a lead expert for the Transfer Network, Playful Paradigm (URBACT III), where I experimented with the huge potential of the URBACT method for supporting cities in boosting innovation and integrated urban development by involving citizens and local stakeholders. I am keen to continue the collaboration with URBACT for supporting European cities in co-designing and co-realising urban interventions to ensure equal opportunities and the inclusion of vulnerable people to improve cities livability. 

    Ileana
    Available for Lead Expert role and Ad-hoc expertise missions
    ileana.toscano@kallipolis.net
    1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
    2. Thematic expertise:
      > Equality, diversity and inclusion
      > Social innovation
      > Strategic urban planning
    3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
      > Integrated and participatory design of strategies
      > Sustaining stakeholder engagement and translating strategies into actions
  • iPlace- gli strumenti dell’handbook per lo sviluppo dell’economia locale e l’esperienza di Grosseto

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    Grosseto_public building
    30/12/2022

    di Nicole Mercurio

    Nella progettazione e nelle politiche per lo sviluppo urbano, troppo spesso lo sviluppo economico locale viene pensato e pianificato sulla base delle esperienze e delle conoscenze sviluppate dalle grandi città.
    Affinché l’obiettivo di generare un impatto economico reale sui piccoli centri sia perseguito, è però importante attuare un cambio di paradigma e partire dalla premessa per la quale le realtà minori necessitano di nuovi strumenti e chiavi di lettura, che partano dalle loro differenze e che rendano le loro piccole dimensioni non uno svantaggio ma un valore aggiunto dal quale partire.

    Public building of the Province of Grosseto

    From urbact
    Off

    Partendo da questa analisi, il programma URBACT ha lanciato dal 2020 al 2022 il progetto IPlace.
    In particolare, l'obiettivo del progetto è stato quello di sfidare la percezione diffusa che i piccoli centri urbani partano da una condizione di svantaggio rispetto alle grandi città nello sviluppo economico locale.
    Il presupposto del progetto è che le città piccole possano essere altrettanto agili e innovative, a patto che dimostrino una leadership di qualità e mettano in atto un insieme di azioni strategiche che le posizionino per costruire i loro vantaggi competitivi.
    Il progetto ha rappresentato inoltre un'opportunità per condividere e costruire conoscenza tra le città piccole e i grandi centri urbani.
    IPlace ha coinvolto dieci città, con partner che variano dalla città più grande, con una popolazione di 87.000 abitanti, alla città più piccola, con una popolazione di 12.000 abitanti.

    Considerando che il progetto è stato ideato come un percorso di apprendimento per le dieci città coinvolte, alla fine del progetto nel 2022 i partners della rete hanno prodotto un Handbook per condividere la loro esperienza e le loro scoperte con le altre piccole realtà interessate.
    L’handbook è infatti una selezione di strumenti e processi sviluppati dai partner per integrare la gamma di supporti e linee guida fornite da URBACT, specificamente per aiutare le città piccole con le loro iniziative di sviluppo economico locale. Il contenuto è dunque una capitalizzazione del progetto, reso disponibile a tutti i centri intenzionati ad intraprendere un percorso simile, per testare le stesse azioni strategiche adottate dalle città coinvolte nel progetto iPlace, sperando di ottenere risultati simili o in ogni caso processi virtuosi.

    Handbook per lo sviluppo dell’economia locale: principali linee guida e punti chiave

    Il manuale si articola in diversi capitoli, ognuno dei quali si concentra su uno specifico aspetto dello sviluppo economico locale. Il primo capitolo, ad esempio, presenta le ragioni alla base del manuale e del progetto iPlace, mentre il secondo capitolo descrive la metodologia adottata dal progetto. Il terzo capitolo, invece, si concentra sull'analisi dell'economia locale, fornendo alle città strumenti utili per valutare la propria competitività e individuare aree di miglioramento.

    Tra gli strumenti presentati nel manuale, spiccano l'Economic History Questionnaire e l'Economic Profile Template. Il primo strumento aiuta le città a tracciare l'evoluzione della propria economia nel corso del tempo, partendo dall'analisi dei principali eventi che ne hanno influenzato lo sviluppo. Il secondo strumento, invece, è un template che permette alle città di creare una panoramica dettagliata della propria economia, analizzando i principali settori produttivi e individuando i punti di forza e di debolezza.

    Il manuale include anche una sezione dedicata alla generazione di idee, che fornisce alle città strumenti utili per organizzare hackathon e altre attività di co-creazione. In particolare, viene fornita una guida utile per la preparazione e la formazione dei partecipanti a queste attività, così come degli esempi concreti di hackathon organizzati da alcune delle città partecipanti al progetto.

    La sezione di process support fornisce strumenti per la facilitazione e l'organizzazione delle visite in città, così come per la valutazione dei piani d'azione integrati attraverso una peer review.

    La sezione di comunicazione presenta strumenti come la lettera di briefing, il gruppo WhatsApp, la fotografia aerea con drone e il collage del progetto per comunicare in modo efficace con i cittadini, i partner e gli stakeholder.

    Infine, un MOOC sull'argomento è stato sviluppato come parte del progetto iPlace. Questo corso, disponibile gratuitamente online, offre ai partecipanti una panoramica completa dei processi e degli strumenti presentati nell'Handbook. Il corso copre anche argomenti più ampi come l'economia locale, la pianificazione strategica e la comunicazione efficace. Grazie a questo corso, anche le città che non sono state coinvolte direttamente nel progetto iPlace possono beneficiare delle conoscenze e delle competenze acquisite dai partner.
     

    L’esperienza di Grosseto nel progetto IPlace
    Grosseto ha partecipato al progetto iPlace come una delle dieci città partner, e ha sperimentato diverse azioni pilota volte a promuovere lo sviluppo economico locale sostenibile.

    In particolare, Grosseto ha adottato un'idea innovativa: il riuso temporaneo dei negozi vuoti come pop-up shop, con l'obiettivo di riattivare l'economia locale e sostenere le piccole e medie imprese del territorio. Questa azione è stata resa possibile grazie al coinvolgimento degli stakeholder locali e alla creazione di un partenariato tra il Comune di Grosseto, le associazioni di commercianti locali e le attività commerciali interessate.

    L'iniziativa ha permesso alle attività commerciali locali di testare nuovi prodotti e servizi, raggiungere nuovi clienti e creare nuove sinergie con altre aziende locali. Inoltre, il pop-up shop temporaneo ha contribuito ad animare il centro storico di Grosseto, migliorando l'esperienza dei residenti e dei visitatori e creando un clima più vivace e accogliente.

    L'esperienza di Grosseto dimostra come le città di medie e piccole dimensioni possano diventare laboratori di innovazione e sperimentazione, se supportate da un ambiente collaborativo e da una leadership impegnata e innovativa.

    Inoltre, la partecipazione di Grosseto al progetto iPlace ha permesso alla città di accedere a una vasta gamma di strumenti e processi innovativi, oltre che di scambiare esperienze e conoscenze con altre città di medie e piccole dimensioni in Europa. Il coinvolgimento degli stakeholder locali e la creazione di partnership solide sono elementi chiave per il successo di questo tipo di iniziative, in quanto permettono di condividere risorse, competenze e buone pratiche.

    In conclusione, il progetto iPlace ha dimostrato che le città piccole e medie hanno il potenziale per sviluppare un'economia locale sostenibile e competitiva se dotate degli strumenti giusti e guidate da una leadership qualificata. L'Handbook dei processi e degli strumenti utilizzati nel progetto, insieme all’attivazione del MOOC online, è un'importante risorsa per le città che desiderano sviluppare le proprie potenzialità. Grazie al progetto iPlace molte altre città in tutta Europa potranno sviluppare e sostenere le proprie economie locali, migliorando la qualità della vita dei loro cittadini. Grazie al lavoro di URBACT sul tema, viene dunque rivoluzionata la percezione dei centri urbani piccoli, che da essere considerati come portatori di svantaggio in partenza, diventano centri di innovazione dove sperimentare metodi e pratiche che mettano al centro la loro piccola dimensione, che da essere una condizione di sfavore diventa una risorsa e un punto di partenza prezioso per il futuro.

  • Jacopo Gresleri

    Graduated in Architecture, I hold a PhD in Architecture, Urban Design, Conservation of Housing and Landscape. I have extensive expertise in Housing (social, collaborative and affordable housing) both as an advisor or scholar. I teach Architectural Planning and Urban Design at the Polytechnic of Milan and I am the Italian member of the International Union of Architects in the Social Habitat Work Group. I have long experience as an educator and disseminator, author of essays and publications.

    Available for Ad-hoc expertise missions
    j.gresleri@gmail.com

    Expert can perform Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:

    1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
    2. Thematic expertise:
      > Housing
      > Urban design
  • Francesca Ansaloni

    Francesca Ansaloni is an urban specialist with over 15 years of experience in researching and advising institutions at different levels on how to make urban projects more inclusive and public spaces diverse and open to all, mostly in low-income neighbourhoods. She has been working in Italy, France, Belgium and Suisse. She holds a PhD from the University IUAV of Venice and she studied in Venice, Nairobi and London, where she has been exploring the concept of spatial justice, in both its theoretical and empirical dimensions.
     
    She currently works as an expert with the European Urban Initiative and the New European Bauhaus labelling strategy.

    Available for Ad-hoc expertise missions
    francesca.ansaloni@gmail.com

    Expert can perform  Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:

    1. Thematic expertise:
      > Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Simone Bosetti

    I'm a senior transport and sustainable mobility expert, with more than 20 years of experience in transport planning and transport policy analysis, and a long record of project leadership and management, having served as team leader or key expert in service and research projects for the European Commission, EIT Urban Mobility, World Bank Group, GIZ, local and national authorities in Europe and beyond.
    My expertise lies in the areas of international / regional / local transport planning, sustainable urban mobility, collective passenger transport, road safety, cycling, e-mobility, as well as in the evaluation and impact assessment of transport measures and projects.

    I'm active in both training and planning activities linked to the concept of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans, and I chaired the Coordinating Group of the European Platform on SUMPs for five years.
    Since 2008, I have been involved in the EU-funded CIVITAS initiative for sustainable urban mobility in European cities (www.civitas.eu ). Part of the evaluation team in the CIVITAS Pointer support action, dealing with the monitoring, cross-site evaluation and policy recommendations of the third CIVITAS programme (CIVITAS PLUS, 2008-2012). Project manager, and moderator of the CIVITAS Integrated Planning Thematic Group, in the CIVITAS WIKI support action (CIVITAS Plus II, 2012-2016), whose main objective was fostering knowledge transfer, dissemination of best practices and debate about innovative measures for sustainable urban mobility based on the CIVITAS experience. Key expert and trainer for the uptake of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans concept and approach in selected EU countries in CIVITAS Prosperity (2016-2019).  Responsible for evaluation and advancing knowledge in the CIVITAS Elevate (2019-2023) support action.

    From 2017 to 2021, I have been the project coordinator of the HiReach project, funded under the EU Horizon 2020 research programme, analysing transport poverty and leveraging innovative business models with the involvement of startups for the development of more inclusive and flexible mobility solutions.

    I coordinated the drafting of 20+ (sustainable) urban mobility plans of small, medium or large cities and metropolitan areas on behalf of local authorities or transport agencies, with the role of project manager and/or key urban transport planner. I contributed to the assessment and design of private and public transport and accessibility systems of 20+ new urban settlements (hospitals, shopping and leisure centres, residential areas and neighbourhoods, multimodal transport interchanges and railways stations, parking areas etc.) in multidisciplinary teams with architects, urban planners, landscape designers, real estate developers.

    Available for Ad-hoc expertise missions
    simone.bosetti@blu.co.it

    Expert can perform Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:

    1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
    2. Thematic expertise:
      > Mobility
    3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
      > Integrated and participatory design of strategies
      > Monitoring and evaluation for effective implementation
  • Raffaella Lioce

    With over 25 years of extensive experience in designing, coordinating, and implementing EU co-funded projects, I bring a wealth of expertise to lead network and provide cities with knowledge and good practices. My professional journey has revolved around key areas of focus, including culture, cultural heritage, cultural tourism, sport policies, active and healthy cities, sustainable cities, action plans for innovative city-region food systems, functional urban areas, urban design, strategic planning, and territorial marketing.

    In particular I have gained extensive experience in designing and coordinating projects co-funded by various EU programs such as Interreg, Life, Creative Europe, REC/CERV, ERASMUS+ (key action SPORT and Youths), and HORIZON 2020. These projects have enabled me to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, leverage European funding opportunities, and drive innovation in areas such as sustainable urban development, cultural initiatives, youth engagement, and sports-and nature-based solutions for public spaces regeneration the health of the cities and of the communities. I have also actively participated in the URBACT program, specifically within the "Playful Paradigm" network. During the first wave of transfer, I served as the lead project manager, overseeing the successful implementation of the network's objectives. In the second wave of transfer, I continued my involvement as an Ad Hoc Expert, providing valuable support to cities in coordinating the ULG, promoting innovation at local level,  and offering expertise in the domains of active healthy cities and playful education. These experiences have deepened my understanding of collaborative city networks and strengthened my ability to drive impactful change at the local level.

    As an architect with a long-term dedication to public works, my focus has been on co-creating dynamic and sustainable public spaces that enhance the well-being of urban dwellers. I have specialized in spatial planning, mobility, designing libraries and cultural spaces, sport and nature-based solutions, urban development projects. By merging innovative design concepts with practical functionality, I have been able to make a tangible impact on the livability and attractiveness of cities. In the recent years, I have had the privilege of coordinating and facilitating urban living labs in various fields. I spearheaded a sustainable tourism urban living lab, where we explored innovative smart and sustainable approaches to minimize the environmental impact of tourism while maximizing its social and economic benefits. Furthermore, I led an urban living lab focused on developing sustainable city-region food systems, fostering collaboration between local producers, consumers, and policymakers. Additionally, I established an urban lab dedicated to promoting active cities and sport-based solutions, encouraging citizens to embrace physical activity and leading healthier lifestyles.

    Education, knowledge management and dissemination have always been central to my professional ethos. I serve as a faculty professor at esteemed universities, among them Universities of Architecture, Spatial Planning and engineering (in Venice, Padova and Ferrara) Design (in Venice) and Economics (in Venice). At these institutions, I teach/taught courses on economic evaluation of urban plans, innovation, and sustainable smart tourism. Furthermore, I actively contribute to the Master's program in EuroProject design at the Venice International University, fostering a transdisciplinary approach to project concept and implementation. Additionally, I am involved in vocational training centers (with a specific focus on t+Tourism, Culture and creative industries) and in delivering learning professional programs at the high school  for local authorities, equipping future professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges of urban sustainable and inclusive development.

    In recognition of my commitment to quality and continuous improvement, I also serve as an auditor for the ISO 9001 quality management scheme. This role has allowed me to ensure that projects adhere to rigorous standards, guaranteeing optimal outcomes and user satisfaction. By implementing robust quality control measures, I have consistently delivered projects of exceptional caliber, aligning with the highest quality standards. Complementing my practical experience, I hold a master's degree in project management. This educational foundation equips me with the necessary skills to lead and navigate complex initiatives successfully.

    I have contributed to the academic community through my research and publications, authoring papers and editing publications in English and Italian. These contributions have allowed me to share my insights and findings, ultimately fostering an exchange of knowledge and pushing the boundaries of best practices in urban sustainable development. I have had the honor of moderating and speaking at several international conferences, serving as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds. These engagements have provided me with a platform to share my expertise, learn from others, and contribute to global discussions on sustainable urban development. Through these interactions, I have built a robust network and skill ecosystem, which I believe will be invaluable in fostering partnerships and driving collective action within Cities Network.

    In considering the larger context, the European Union's commitment to sustainability, the Green Deals, and the New European Bauhaus initiative are pivotal driving forces in shaping the future of our cities. I firmly believe that my extensive experience and multifaceted expertise align perfectly with these goals and aspirations. By championing collaboration, innovation, and holistic approaches, I am dedicated to creating vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally friendly cities that thrive and inspire.

    Raffaella Lioce Profile
    Available for Lead Expert role and Ad-hoc expertise missions
    raffylioce@gmail.com

    Expert can perform the Lead expert role and Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:

    1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
    2. Thematic expertise:
      > Culture
      > Strategic urban planning
      > Food
      > Urban design 
    3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
      > Securing funding and resourcing
      > Sustaining engagement of stakeholders and translating strategies into actions
  • Sandra Rainero

    Passionate for urbanity and humanity, a strong believer in collective intelligence and participatory urban action, I have been committed to leading and supporting practitioners and local administrators towards inclusive, smart, innovative and effective urban and local development for the past two decades. 

    Leaving no one behind, people-centric, the common good and ecosystemic well-being in cities and localities are my mantra.  

    In my capacity of URBACT Lead expert ( ONSTAGE TN), National Expert in the URBACT National Practice Transfer Initiative, working on further transferring the C-CHANGE TN and capacity-building expert for digital transition in cities, I have supported city networks and practitioners to plan strategies and solutions for the city ecosystem, namely in the fields of:

    * education
    * social cohesion and inclusion
    * culture and arts
    * jobs and skills

    focusing on human equity, rights, well-being and agency in times of digital transformations and ecological emergency (the twin transitions). In these fields, for several years around Europe, I have been:

    * doing research
    * designing and managing transnational projects, 
    * organizing training and educational experiences, 
    * events and conferences, 
    * facilitating co-design of territorial and urban plans

    I am an adaptive and situational facilitator, communicator, trainer and designer. I can lead, follow and nudge as needed, led by a keen working ethics and robust knowledge and abilities acquired in studies and field experience. I have a multimedia communication background, I can help find different strategies to communicate and cooperate with urban stakeholders of different walks of life. 

    In the field of equality, inclusion and diversity my 20 + years’ experience ranges from tackling gender issues to migration/minority to inclusion of youth and ageing populations, with work experience in local, national and international public and private organizations. 


    As a public servant and later policy advisor on local employment, I have over 20 years of hands-on experience in the field of jobs and skills, local economy, social innovation, with extensive knowledge of labour market dynamics and trends, including green and digital skills required for the twin transitions and the future of jobs. 


    I have explored and worked on all dimensions of formal and non-formal education from design, prototyping and delivery of innovative upskilling and reskilling educational paths, working on the development of key skills for the 21st century such as STE(A)M, sustainability, critical and creative thinking, entrepreneurial and analytical skills, green skills and climate change awareness.

     
    With a background in cultural and social studies cultural practice is my bread and butter, mostly in the fields of performing arts, popular culture, traditional cultural expressions, media linking them to the current social, economic and environmental challenges. 


    For more information and to see what we can do together, feel free to drop me a message.

    Sandra Rainero
    Available for Lead Expert role and Ad-hoc expertise missions
    rainerosandra@gmail.com

    Expert can perform the Lead expert role and Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:

    1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
    2. Thematic expertise:
      > Culture
      > Education
      > Equality, Diversity, Inclusion
      > Job and skills
    3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
      > Monitoring and evaluation for effective implementation
      > Sustaining engagement of stakeholders and translating strategies into actions
  • Simone d'Antonio

    Simone d'Antonio is an expert of sustainable urban development, with a strong experience in supporting urban and regional authorities in planning and implementing projects of urban innovation. 

    His work is focused on empowering local authorities to better govern the most relevant urban challenges and support them in the exchange of knowledge and solutions with other cities at European and global level. 

    Simone was Ad-Hoc Expert for several URBACT networks (Tourism-Friendly Cities, Thriving Streets, Gendered Landscape, Playful Paradigm, Com.Unity.Lab, Civic eState, Active NGOs, ONSTAGE, City Centre Doctor, 2nd Chance, Interactive Cities), providing thematic and methodological support to the partners. He supported also the development and the facilitation of thematic sessions at the URBACT City Festivals of Lisbon in 2018 and Pantin/Grand Paris in 2022.

    He regularly works also with Urban Innovative Actions, Urban Agenda for the EU and Covenant of Mayors as expert, supporting the development of pilot actions and capturing the knowledge emerged from projects of urban innovation.

    Just transitions, jobs and skills for local economy, urban design, sustainable tourism, civic engagement, active inclusion and reduction of inequalities are just some of the topics covered by Simone in recent years, with a strong production of studies published, among the others, by C40 Cities, UN-Habitat and Urban Innovative Actions or in the framework of INTERREG projects.   

     

    Available for Lead Expert role and Ad-hoc expertise missions
    simonedantonio@yahoo.it

    Expert can perform the Lead expert role and Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:

    1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
    2. Thematic expertise:
      > Local Economy
      > Energy Transition
      > Communication
      > Participatory Governance
      > Urban Design
    3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
      > Integrated and participatory design of strategies
      > Securing funding and resourcing
  • Can civic spaces strengthen local networks?

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    Can civic spaces strenghen local networks - COVER
    04/05/2023

    Only strong and connected local communities can effectively adapt to the constant changes in our society. Bottom-up and local initiatives have a great role to play.

    Articles
    Three women who are volunteers at the Riga NGO House during a festivity.

    Riga NGO House expanding activities (read more here).

    Small cities, especially those facing a population decrease, can also benefit from establishing strong local networks. For the past years, Idrija (SI) has been a shrinking city, suffering from social and economic challenges. To better connect the local community, they found a solution by establishing a Town’s Living Room. This inclusive and innovative practice was designed by the people on the ground – also known as the URBACT Local Group, a multi-stakeholder group of people from the city following URBACT’s Networks. Having taking part in two networks, the CityCentreDoctor Action Planning Network and the Re-GrowCity Transfer Network, the municipality of Idrija was able to consolidate a rich experience.

     

    Civic engagement

     

    Today the Town’s Living Room in Idrija is a space, where everyone can find something for themselves. It counts with a variety of activities based on the “by the people for the people'' model, involving different diverse groups, encouraging active citizen participation and creating a thriving community.

     

    Furthermore, thanks to URBACT’ National Practice Transfer Initiative pilots, six small Slovenian municipalities got the chance to first-hand learn from Idrija’s story. They understood the practices, adapted the idea to their local context and, ultimately, transferred the Town’s Living Room initiative to their own cities. As a result, they created their own local networks and established similar community spaces.

     

    Temporary use as a creativity tool

     

    It is important for cities to recognise the potential of the NGOs and community’s involvement in the revitalisation of empty spaces. Bottom up initiatives can offer for temporary use for places in decay. By doing this, users enrich abandoned spaces and their surroundings, maintain the premises, and reduce certain costs for the owners, as maintenance.

     

    URBACT Civic eState - City governance diagram

    Another Italian city benefited from the participation in an URBACT Network, particularly to explore innovative solutions to tackle the challenge of empty spaces. By taking part in the 2nd Chance Action Planning Network, the city of Naples (IT) adopted a participative approach to renewal a large abandoned building in the city. Today, the building serves as a place where citizens and civil initiatives are encouraged to meet, exchange and, most importantly, express interest to implement pilot projects through temporary use. No permanent use is foreseen for this building, making the spaces lively and ever-evolving.  Naples was awarded with an URBACT Good Practice, thanks to this initiative and later continued its URBACT journey leading the Civic eState Transfer Network.

     

    Despite having a long tradition of participatory governance, the city of Ghent (BE) has also learnt a lot from Naples and other partners by participating in the Civic eState Transfer Network. With knowledge gathered along the way, the municipality co-designed a bottom-up approach on how to support citizens’ initiatives, including providing legal and administrative support. Their pilot action included a temporary use of an abandoned church owned by the city, where citizens were given access to build their own project with public support.

     

     

    How else can cities support civic ecosystems?

     

    Ensuring that NGOs and civil initiatives with access to space is one of the best ways, which local authorities can provide for local community. Certainly, this is not the only way and there is much more a city can do:

    • offer access to equipment NGOs and civil initiatives can use for their activities;
    • funding opportunities for their activities and their cooperation with the city (stable funding mechanisms spanning over a few years can provide NGOs stability, helping them to develop and professionalise). This can include innovative funding mechanisms fostering cooperation instead of competition and allowing equal opportunities for all;
    • create a way to promote the work of local NGOs and their activities (on websites, social media, monthly papers, community boards etc);
    • organise workshops and lectures, legal and accounting consultations to help NGOs develop and professionalise;
    • create events where NGOs can meet, exchange ideas, and establish new collaborations;
    • transfer some public functions to local NGOs, recognising their work and showing faith as well as shading burden on public administration and allowing for new and innovative approaches;
    • and formalise the cooperation between the city administration and NGOs by signing a letter of intent for cooperation.

     

     


     

     

    How about you? How does your city support the local civic ecosystem? Tell us on social media and tag us @URBACT
    Interested by other examples, check out The Power of Civic Ecosystems publication!
    Network
    From urbact
    On

    NGOs and civic initiatives are proving to be a key link to overcome the growing mistrust between public administrations and citizens. In cities across Europe, different forms of cooperation between cities and civil society have increasingly become important for the quality of life and services in cities, strengthening social cohesion and brining local communities close together.

     

    The cities also have a role to play. Municipalities and city administrations can support these local networks by offering access to spaces, materials, knowledge and funding, as well as providing opportunities to cooperate. If considered, some factors and conditions can contribute to thriving communities and cities of equal opportunities. Some of these success factors are outlined below.

     

     

    The power of civic ecosystems

     

    Time after time, the NGOs and civil initiatives have proved to be strong allies to overcome various challenges and, as a consequence, to contribute to sustainable urban development. Connections and cooperation between local organisations, civil society and public administrations can create powerful synergies, not only building strong local networks, but also enabling the so-called “civic ecosystems”.

     

    “In Europe there are more and more, not dozen but hundreds of big projects, millions of euros projects that are managed by NGOs and all kinds of cooperatives and social economy actors. These are the people who are actually reshaping our cities. It is really important to recognise the scale in which these organisations operate and are therefore really significant actors in our cities,” says Levente Polyak, co-founder of Eutropian and previous URBACT Lead Expert, at the conference The Power of Civic Ecosystems, which was held in Ljubljana last year.

    NGO House in Riga (LV)
    NGO House in Riga (LV)

     

     

    In a publication of the same name, Levente and other authors explored how to build better cooperation between public administrations and local civic societies, showcasing good practices that cities and NGOs can draw inspiration from. The publication leans on the lessons learnt from the ActiveNGOs Transfer Network, where the URBACT Good Practice-labeled NGO House in Riga (LV) was adapted by other EU cities.

     

     

     

    Riga’s NGO House is a successful initiative, where the local administration acknowledged and seized the potential of civic ecosystems. Coordinated by the municipality, it contributes to a more democratic and inclusive society by offering equal opportunities and access to spaces, activities, events, trainings and much more. Since 2013, the NGO House has accomplished different objectives when it comes to the integration of people of different ages, social groups and nationalities. All by supporting existing NGOs and promoting citizens' awareness of local affairs.

     

    As Irina Vasiljeva, from the City of Riga, explained “it's a space where NGOs can come, they can make their activities, they can get educated on different topics, it's a space where NGOs can start participation. For some NGOs, it's a cradle. When they start working, they come to NGO House, they get benefits that NGO House offers, become stronger and then they leave our nest, become independent and become the partners of Riga NGO House”.

     

     

    Syracuse (IT) was among the partner cities from Active NGOs, which had the opportunity to learn from Riga – and the other project partners – co-designed three new civic spaces in their city. They had to re-consider how to put in practice the original good practice, as the municipality did not have as many public funds and large structures available to support such cooperation, at least not in the same way as Riga does. But that has not stopped the Syracuse city’s staff.

     

    Instead, they have co-designed the spaces together with local associations who now manage them. They even formalised their collaboration by forming a governance model, called “House of Associations and Volunteers”, connecting all three civic spaces. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Mayor and 27 active local organisations to ensure a smooth dynamic. As Levente Polyak also brought up at the conference, “the coexistence and collaboration of organisations make them more suitable to use each other's resources, to share resources, build projects together so in a way be more efficient than acting alone.”

     

  • Silvia Cioli

    To be inserted by the expert

    Available for Ad-hoc expertise missions
    ciolisi@gmail.com

    Expert can perform Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:

    1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
    2. Thematic expertise:
      > Food
      > Urban Design
      > Social Innovation
    3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
      > Monitoring and evaluation for effective implementation