Department of Architecture

Enhancing liveability in small shrinking cities

RECOMMENDATIONS TO LOCAL PRACTITIONERS & DECISION MAKERS

Based on the discussion during the workshops in two case study cities, we developed a set of recommendations for local practitioners in small shrinking cities. We hope that also other communities can learn from these discussions and use these outcomes while searching for solutions for their own challenges.
Lauscha workshop

How to help local initiatives develop?
·      Provide help from fundraising professionals to local activists, and help them to apply for external funding for their projects. The activists who do not have fundraising skills could learn from professional fundraisers how to support their projects.
·      Help activists develop their entrepreneurial skills to make the initiatives more sustainable financially. Example: merchandise of Puolanka pessimists supporting all activities of the association

How to deal with shrinkage?
·      Percieve shrinkage as a process and try to develop visions for the future considering the ongoing processes of shrinkage. Growth is not what everyone is striving for, try to support a small but liveable community. Example: Future conference in Lauscha as an attempt to create a common vision «How to shrink in a good way»
·      See available empty and abandoned buildings as a resource. Give them to associations and local initiatives. Housing is very important for the successful development of initiatives.

How to improve the liveability of the place?
·      Support diverse initiatives to improve the resilience of the place. Various groups of different ages and social backgrounds need help to develop their own initiatives. Diverse local cultural life enhances the liveability of the place. Various concerts, festivals and other cultural events attract visitors and increase the place attachment among local residents. 
·      Open the place to outsiders. A small shrinking town can very much benefit from new people coming to the locality. Special attention should be paid to attracting artists. Examples: Clay festival in Puolanka, international art residence in Lauscha.
·      Support multilocality of summer residents and see them as a resource for the place. Develop activities for different seasons and include summer residents in community life.
·      Provide support to international migration. International incomers can improve cultural diversity in the place
·      Promote the place as a locality attractive and supportive for different age groups (youth, young families, remote workers and elderly). Gather information about the social support available for different local residents and distribute it among potential incomers.
·      Provide counselling about remote opportunities tailored to the needs of different social groups. Collect and systematize information on available remote services and resources, like distant learning, or remote jobs.

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