Urban Policies - Workshop 1: Public participation and urban transformation: an open challenge

This workshop series addresses the topic of urban policies in the framework of Mykolaiv’s master plan for reconstruction and recovery. It is an opportunity for local policymakers and professionals to debate and interact with international experts in urban planning and governance from the perspective of European integration. Thus, this workshop series aims to contribute to a long-term planning effort beyond the immediate need for reconstruction. Selected interviews with experts in preparation for each workshop will help focus on the most crucial issues to address. The recorded proceedings of this series will inform our recommendations on urban policies in a deliverable report.

In this edition, we aim to reflect on the role of civic engagement and public participation in the design, definition and implementation of urban transformation strategies and plans at different scales. A thoroughly plural public debate between different perspectives on urban development based on forms of citizen engagement can foster the emergence of shared visions of the future, particularly relevant looking towards urban reconstruction; at the same time, it may also contribute to strengthening local democracy and a sense of citizenship. The workshop involves experts and activists discussing cases and sharing reflections across European and Ukrainian cities.