LA21 in small and medium-sized towns (5000 – 50000 habitants)

In Austria mainly small townships having less than 5.000 inhabitants are participating in LA21-processes, while LA21-processes in towns with 5.000 to 50.000 inhabitants (which will be referred to as the ‘Urban Agenda’) can be considered an exception. That’s why we wanted to focus on these small to medium-sized towns acting as centre-towns for the surrounding townships in the rural areas. The project is under the lead-management of the BMWF in collaboration with the Federal States of Upper Austria and Styria. The aim of our project is the demonstration of Urban-Agenda-processes, especially - their successful kick-off - the organisation of the LA21-process - the support of the process under way The crucial questions are: - What developments should be initiated? - What structures and concrete steps for implementation will be needed (e.g. vitalisation of urban centres, embracing the youth, integration, persuading and motivation of local contributors, information and communication)?