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Quality of Life in shrinking cities, part two - Measuring and Monitoring

This article is based on the workshop “Quality of Life: what is it and how to promote and measure it” delivered by URBACT Expert José Costero for the URBACT network Residents of the Future in Alba Iulia (Romania) on 25 March 2025. The session gathered about 25 participants from the nine cities involved in the network, fostering discussions on how to integrate quality of life principles into urban planning and policymaking.

Quality of Life in Shrinking Cities. Part one - Challenges.

Quality of life is a broad concept that encompasses various dimensions influencing people's well-being in a given place. It goes beyond economic prosperity, including access to public services, environmental quality, cultural life, safety, and social cohesion. However, the meaning of quality of life varies depending on individual preferences, cultural background, and socio-economic context. What may be essential for one person, such as a vibrant nightlife, might not be as relevant to someone else, who might prioritise affordable housing and green spaces. 

Friends Reunited: Residents of the Future @ URBACT City Festival in Wrocław

With over 600 participants from all over Europe, including mayors, city officers, EU policymakers, urban planners, and changemakers, the festival was a three-day celebration of ideas, good practices, and the future of European cities. Organised under the high patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the festival offered talks, workshops, exhibitions, and the grand unveiling of the URBACT-labelled Good Practices 2024–2027.

Day Two of the URBACT Transnational Meeting in Alba Iulia: Showcasing Good City Practices

The second day of the URBACT Transnational Meeting in Alba Iulia was dedicated to exploring Good City Practices, with a strong focus on the Alba Iuila city's ongoing and innovative projects.

Alba Iulia welcomes Residents of the Future - 4th Transnational network meeting, day one.

March 24-26 2025, Alba Iulia is hosting the Residents of the Future APN transnational meeting. The project is in full swings and there are a lots of things we need to discuss, share and improve. So, let's get to work and make some real impact.  

From newcomers to neighbors: the importance of welcoming and integrating new residents

With declining birth rates and population migrating to large urban hubs, mid-sized and small cities all over Europe strive to survive by attracting new residents. Bringing new people in is a great first step, but there’s a bigger challenge ahead: making sure they feel at home, accepted by local community.