How can modern cities empower their citizens to shape their living environment? The cities of Birmingham, Lodz , Lyon and Milan will discuss the shift in terms of housing public policies and how they developed co-creation processes as part of innovative projects with their citizens. Housing is not to be viewed only as a matter of buildings i.e. physical space but as an integrated policy: an way to achieve social inclusion, economic integration and cultural connectivity. Join our debate to find out how EU knowledge, programmes, legislation and funding can help cities and citizens on that path!
- When
- Wed 10, October 2018
11:30 - 13:00 CET - Moderator
- - -, -, -.
- Speakers
- Michel Le Faou, Metropolitan Representative, Métropole De Lyon.
Elżbieta Michalska, Deputy Director, City Of Lodz Office.
Carmine Pacente, Head Of European Policies And Programming, Metropolitan City Of Milan.
Andy Reeve, Director Of Urban Economics, Impact Hub Birmingham. - Code
- 10WS220
- Format
- Workshops
- Theme
- Social inclusion, citizenship, migration
- Partner
- Future housing and inclusive cities depend on us
- Language
- English (EN)
Session summary
This workshop brought together representatives from Birmingham, Lodz, Lyon and Milan, who discussed the shift in Public Housing policies. Modern cities should empower their citizens to shape their living environments by involving them in the co-creation of innovative projects. Housing is not to be viewed only as a matter of buildings, but as an integrated policy, an opportunity for social inclusion, economic integration and cultural connectivity.
The Métropole de Lyon has seen several housing projects supported by a bottom-up approach by its citizens develope upon its territory. Michel le Faou, 8th Vice-President of the Métropole de Lyon in charge of Housing and living environment, presented a part of the "Autre Soie" housing project, called "Home Silk Road" which proposes mixing student housing, social housing and welcoming underprivileged people to create an inclusive social environment for all. Finally, the elected representatives presented the approach of Housing First in Lyon.
The City of Lodz, a pioneer of revitalisation efforts in Poland, is carrying out a lot of housing projects in an integrated way together with the citizens and all other stakeholders seeking solutions to social issues. Elżbieta Michalska, Deputy Director of Regeneration Bureau in City of Lodz Office, presented Księży Młyn (Priest’s Mill) project, which was awarded with URBACT Good Practice City label in 2017.
The City of Milan is implementing several projects related to social housing and urban regeneration, in the city center and in the periphery. Carmine Pacente, Head of Unit for European Policies and Programs in the Metropolitan City of Milan, showcased one of these projects dedicated to sustainable urban development, implemented in the Lorenteggio’s neighborhood. It aims at regenerating public buildings and lighting and promoting eco-efficiency and reducing energy consumption in public buildings and structures. He strongly advocated for powerful regional policy in the next programming period regarding the wide range of issues cities are facing.
Birmingham City participated with the Impact Hub Birmingham (IHB), a platform where people can meet likeminded creators and disruptors and where they can continually challenge themselves and others. Co-Founder and Director of Finance & Urban Economics at Impact Hub, Andy Reeves, explained how new technologies can empower citizens to have a greater influence on the way their city grows and how they can utilise development techniques to help drive inclusive economic growth too.
Also, European Partners participated in the session. Michaela Kauer as a member of the Housing Partnership of the Urban Agenda, presented the new Action Plan of the partnership. Finally, she shed light on the debate about the difficulties concerning social housing today and tomorrow identified by all members of the Partnership.
Take away message
All panelists stressed the necessity of housing public investment in major European cities. It is therefore necessary to involve citizens through digital consultation processes, especially to create housing for all, which responds to cultural and inclusion needs. Public authorities must act to widen the housing supply in our cities, especially through the regeneration of old buildings, to meet the climate objectives of the European Union, to avoid urban sprawl, and to make the city accessible to all.
Quotes
Elżbieta Michalska : “Nowadays the residents of the city, who are subject to local policy have the power to decide how this policy is to be developed. The process of urban regeneration takes place not only by changing the city for the residents, but also by the residents changing the city.”
Michel Le Faou: “The international and French evaluations of housing first testify to its effectiveness, when the approach is not reduced to the allocation of housing and support. It is about supporting people to take control of their lives and fit into society”.
Andy Reeves, “Housing is a problem which spans the sectors and as such, solutions to our current housing problems can only work if they come from a cross-sector view”.
Carmine Pacente: “The Municipality of Milan has invested 5 million euros of the National Operational Programme Metropolitan Cities for new, innovative and complex project completely dedicated to social housing and social inclusion”.
