Networks and cities' news

The power of mapping: co-creation for everyone involved in Integrated Urban Development

Given the complexity of urban-rural territories, it is sometimes difficult to plan actions with a shared vision. By visualising challenges, potentials and possible scenarios, a simple but powerful tool such as mapping becomes essential for policy makers and urban planners.

Empowering Cities Towards Circular Economy - Highlights from the URBACT In4Green Circular Economy Workshop in Larissa

On 11 March, 2024, the city of Larissa hosted an action packed session of the URBACT In4Green transnational meeting, bringing together urban practitioners, policymakers and city stakeholders to discuss the co-development of actions relating to the circular economy and sustainable urban development. 

Facilitated by URBACT Expert Eileen Crowley, the workshop focused on monitoring and evaluation strategies, funding solutions, and inspiring best practices to accelerate the transition towards circularity.

Street Sport and Tourism: A Path to Urban Regeneration and Youth-Centered Travel

Street sports such as skateboarding, 3x3 basketball, breakdancing, and rollerblading are increasingly becoming a driving force for urban regeneration. These activities are transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant social and cultural hubs, fostering local community engagement and attracting a new kind of tourism. This fusion of street sport and tourism is creating unexpected tourist flows to lesser-known cities and "unusual places," places that would not typically be considered tourist hotspots.

Unlocking Public Spaces for Youth Engagement: A Holistic Approach to Health and Nutrition

Public spaces are more than recreational areas; they hold the potential to become dynamic hubs for promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and social interaction among young people aged 10-18. Yet, in many cities, these vital spaces remain underused or inaccessible to youth, either by design or neglect. The Re-GEN URBACT Action planning network has taken up the challenge to redesign public spaces in such a way that they become vital arenas where the youngsters can gather, express themselves and connect with their communities.

In the context of increasing health concerns[1], innovative strategies that merge outdoor activities and nutrition education can foster lifelong healthy habits. Drawing on successful examples from across Europe and also outside of Europe, this article explores how local governments and communities can effectively transform public spaces into vibrant centers for youth engagement.
 

Dobrich Hosted the Third Main Meeting of Re-Gen Project

In October 15-16, 2024, the Municipality of Dobrich, in partnership with the Association of Bulgarian Black Sea Municipalities, hosted the third main meeting of the Re-Gen project. The Municipality of Verona - leading partner and all partner municipalities in the project, the leading expert of URBACT and a representative of the Secretariat of URBACT took part in the event, where they were welcomed by Mr. P. Pavlov, Deputy Mayor "Strategic Development and Economy" and Mr. Mrs. N. Ivanova, chairperson of the permanent committee "Sports, education and youth activities".

An urban development hackathon in Daugavpils!

An urban development hackathon took place on March 19th and 26th at the Daugavpils Culture Palace, where local citizens had the opportunity to create and present ideas for the development of Jaunās Forštates Park. Municipality invited young people to participate in a park development hackathon to create innovative proposals for its transformation.