Working towards urban capacity and resilience strategy implementation: Adaptation plans and strategies in Polish cities

Abstract

This paper presents the practical dimensions of using the concept of three capacities: absorptive coping, adaptive, and transformative, as well as agency perspective. The aim of this article is to find the contexts in which these capacities appear in strategic documents and planning. Within the framework of the agency perspective, the aim is to indicate the factors affecting the implementation of a resilience strategy, tools and appropriate strategy implementation steps. An analysis of urban adaptation plans and local development strategies of the 45 largest cities in Poland have been conducted. Also, interviews with academics and specialists in the relevant field were carried out. The results demonstrate that urban adaptation plans are too much oriented towards absorptive capacity, whilst local development strategies show little more transformational approach. However, the results indicate neither the need nor the method of the long-term deep transformation of urban systems. Both in adaptation plans and local development strategies, much attention is given to the inclusion and integration of communities with local governments and key agents. But, new tools of social participation, and financial benefits for city inhabitants are essential factors for the implementation of the resilience strategy.