Public Participation in Local Regeneration Programmes in Poland

Abstract

This article describes how the public participation is understood as involvement of individuals, groups and local communities in public decision making. On 9 October 2015, the Urban Regeneration Act was passed in Poland. The purpose of the Act is to integrate the local activities of the stakeholders in regeneration. Engaging stakeholders is essential for proper implementation of regeneration programmes and is aimed at preventing degradation of urban space and crisis phenomena by enhancing social activity. The main aim of the article is to focus on different forms of public participation in urban regeneration. The study includes an analysis of the public participation procedures employed during the implementation of Communal Regeneration Programmes in Poland, as exemplified by the Olkusz Commune. The analysis is summarised to form a model of public participation in regeneration programmes, including suggestions for the use of ICT tools for consultation purposes.