Networks and cities' news

From Transnational Inspiration to Local Exploration: The Importance of Local Study Visits and Stakeholder Involvement

Hearing examples from other cities and seeking inspiration from different contexts has always been a cornerstone of URBACT networks. Transnational exchange and examples can provide excellent inspiration for local actions. URBACT provides the framework and motivation for sharing international case examples, however seeking local examples of practice is something that can often be overlooked in the day-to-day of local municipal activities. It offers value though, and is something that is well worth the effort.

Inspired by things they had seen and heard from other partner cities in the Digi-Inclusion network, the project team in the Lead Partner City of Mollet del Vallès decided to undertake a series of study visits to other municipalities in their region, during the autumn of 2024. The stories they heard from projects partners in Bolgna (IT) and Boulogne-Sur-Mer (FR) during transnational exchange provided the basis for some new thinking, and the Mollet team were keen to explore this further locally with their ULG. 

Having developed an idea for introducing some form of “digital facilitators” into the city as part of their URBACT Integrated Action Plan, they sought out local examples of cities who had this type of approach. Through EU awards and recognition schemes, they identified three regional examples, in the municipalities of Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Cugat, and Granollers, all in the Barcelona province.

A well-rounded approach: highlights from the Fourth Quarterly Network Report

After more than one year of network activity, through meetings and dedicated workshops, the Network has explored all topics included in the Cities@Heart methodology. This quarter, we have developed topics 6 and 7, focusing on Public Space and Managing Mixed Uses. Governance, integration, decision-making tools, sustainability, and inclusion have been transversal drivers of our learning pathway.

Biodivercity at the Inclusion4Schools Final Event

As part of the BiodiverCity URBACT project, the Municipality of Vratsa participated in the final event of the Inclusion4Schools Horizon 2020 project, sharing their expertise in co-design and co-planning methodologies.

During the event, Vratsa representatives introduced the Urban Local Group (ULG) method, highlighting how collaborative urban planning fosters inclusive and sustainable solutions. Their experience in engaging diverse stakeholders in the co-creation of green and resilient urban spaces resonated with participants, reinforcing the importance of participatory approaches in both education and urban development.

By bridging social inclusion and environmental sustainability, Vratsa continues to play a key role in shaping people-centered urban policies within the BiodiverCity network.

Learnings from FEMACT-Cities: Some tips for effectively implementing gender equality

Learnings from FEMACT-Cities: Some tips for effectively implementing gender equality

3 Great events to spread the word about Digital Inclusion

As time goes by, more and more people are suffering from Digital Exclusion. The reason is complex and has many aspects but one could be the difficulty in the speed of transition from and old paradigm to the technological one which causes some citizens not being able to catch up. Another could be the incapacity to afford new technology by some group of citizens but surely talking about it and building strategies to minimize digital exclusion will play a key role in the short and mid-term. Reducing digital divide is precisely the main mission of the Digi Inclusion network.

Torino (IT), 27th – 29th Nov 2024 - 2nite Study Visit

2Nite First Transnational Meeting: Learning from Torino