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Description
The project “Żary, this is where I want to live!!!” is directed at eliminating the diagnosed development problems and barriers of the Town of Żary. Its implementation shall contribute to inhibiting the disadvantageous social and economic trends and the process of weakening of the municipal functions. The activities taken by the town, i.e. those of coherence, complementarity and synergy nature, shall constitute a source of a positive development incentive in the social, demographic, economic, environmental, spatial and cultural dimension.
The activities planned by the town of Żary are the response to the identified problems and will contribute to solving the following shortages:
- demographic crisis caused by the ongoing depopulation of the town, whose main reason is the negative birth rate,
- shortage of specialized services concerning the care of the elderly and children younger than 3,
- polluted air whose source is mainly a large scale of low emission from residential houses and car transport),
- economic recess.
The most important effects/results of the project will be the following:
- Strengthening of the social activity and creativity of the community.
- Realization of the concept of Żary as a green-blue town.
- Sustainable economic development.
- Development of the spatial policy.
- Integration of the Żary-Żagań Functional Area .
- Change of the institutional image of the SGUs.
The project shall be implemented based on a national partnership. The partner "Region Łużyce" [Lusatia Region] Association shall participate in the activity based on adaptation of the ruins of the Żary castle into center for culture and tradition.
The most important areas in which the partner from the countries-donators could become involved are environment protection, social and demographic area, implementation of the standards of accessibility and optimization of the functioning of the local self-government administration.
Summary of project results
Project "Żary, I want to live here!!!" (“Żary, this is where I want to live!!!”) was aimed at eliminating identified problems and development barriers of the city Żary, being a response to many social, economic, environmental and infrastructural challenges. Thanks to its implementation, the city not only stopped negative socio-economic trends, but also strengthened its urban functions, becoming more attractive place to live and work. The implemented activities were characterized by coherence, complementarity and synergy, which brought positive effects in various dimensions of the city''s functioning.
The city biggest challenges
1. Demographic crisis and youth migration - One of the most serious challenges was the difficult demographic situation, resulting from the negative population growth and the migration of young residents in search of better educational, professional and living prospects. Żary had to face the problem of an aging society and the need to create attractive living conditions for the young generation. As part of the project, various actions were taken :
- increasing the availability of recreational and cultural places for youth,
- development of family-aimed infrastructure,
- supporting local initiatives and events, building residents'' city identity.
The goal was to keep young people in Żary by creating a friendly environment to live, work and develop their passions.
2. Lack of support for seniors and people requiring care - The aging society of Żary was associated with a shortage of care and rehabilitation services. The key issues were:
- lack of a municipal social welfare home (DPS),
- limited availability of rehabilitation services,
- insufficient support for older people and their families.
The project planned to create and develop seniors dedicated services, improving quality of life. The activities were aimed at building intergenerational integration and developing the city''s offer for the elderly.
3. Air pollution and environmental problems - Another challenge was to improve the quality of air, polluted by low emissions (resulting from heating houses with solid fuels) and increasing car traffic. The problem required decisive actions to:
- reduce of CO2 and dust emissions,
- invest in blue and green infrastructure,
- develop green and recreational areas.
These activities were intended not only to improve air quality, but also to contribute to increase the attractiveness of Żary as an eco friendly city.
4. Economic stagnation and entrepreneurship challenges - The city was struggling with the challenge of economic stagnation, resulting from, eg:
- insufficient support for local entrepreneurs,
- poor communication with the business sector,
- the problem of succession in family businesses,
- lack of innovative investments.
The project focused on creating better conditions for the development of entrepreneurship, eg: organization of programs supporting entrepreneurs, building partnership between the city and business, promoting innovative solutions in the economy.
5. Social integration and city residents activation - Żary also had face the need to strengthen social integration and activate residents, especially the young generation. The challenge was to:
- provide residents with the opportunity to express opinions and participate in the city life,
- increase social involvement in local activities,
- organise cultural, educational and recreational events.
Project "Żary, I want to live here!!!" focused on developing communication with residents and building a sense of identity with the city.
6. Changing the image of the city and local government institutions - An important aspect of the project was increasing social trust in local authorities and improvement of the image of municipal institutions. The challenge was to create a modern resident service system and institutional development. These activities included:
- organization of public consultations,
- implementation of new service standards,
- increasing the transparency of city hall activities.
The city approached the implementation of the project with great commitment, focusing on the coherence of activities in various areas.
Project "Żary, I want to live here!!!" (“Żary, this is where I want to live!!!”) was a comprehensive response to the identified problems and challenges faced by the city. Its implementation brought numerous benefits for residents, the environment, the economy and local institutions. Thanks to the implementation of the project, it was possible to stop many negative socio-economic trends and create foundations for the further city development. The key effects are:
- residents quality of life improvement,
- social involvement increase,
- increase of the city attractiveness for investors and tourists,
- natural environment improvement,
- strengthening the image of Żary as a modern and friendly city.
The implemented actions improved the quality of life and city functioning, also created a solid basis for its further development. At the project preparation stage, we wanted to build the residents'' identity with the city and create a friendly place to live. The project was also a test for the newly formed City Team, which adds another dimension to the challenge we took on. We believe that we have achieved the following goals:
1) Strengthening the social activity and creativity of residents through:
- intergenerational, social and cultural integration of residents
- identifying the needs and activation of the young generation,
- development of a system of communication with residents.
2) Implementation of the concept of Żary as a green and blue city through:
- green areas development,
- reducing low emissions,
- blue infrastructure development.
3) Changing the institutional image of the local government in Żary and increasing public awareness of institutional changes serving the residents and city development.
Project "Żary, I want to live here!!!" (“Żary, this is where I want to live!!!”) played an important role in improving the quality of service for residents and increasing public trust in local authorities and the city hall, all thanks to:
- various initiatives, eg: public consultations, educational programs and open meetings;
- organization of cultural, recreational and educational events;
- project activities with the vision of a city attractive to live, work and invest in.
The most important projects of the project in the field of local development:
1) Adaptation of the castle ruins into the Culture and Tradition Centre,
2) Construction of a pedestrian and bicycle footbridge over national road No. 12 connecting the industrial zone with the city center,
3) An innovative system for City air quality monitoring and analysis.
The most omportant projects` elements in the field of institutional development:
1) Design and implementation of a system for employee competences and qualifications development;
2) Building a participatory society through education, communication and involving residents in municipal management;
3) Development of public e-services.
Project "Żary, I want to live here!!!" (“Żary, this is where I want to live!!!”) is an example of an initiative that comprehensively responded to the needs of the city and its residents. The completed projects not only eliminated the diagnosed problems, but also created a solid basis for future development. Żary has proven that thanks to cooperation, commitment and modern solutions, it is possible to effectively counteract challenges and build a city where residents want to live, work and develop.
The project results, such as quality of life improvement, increasing social involvement and attracting investors, have made Żary a more attractive and liveable place. Thanks to the increased availability of green areas, expansion of recreational infrastructure and organization of cultural events, families have gained more opportunities to spend their free time in a friendly environment. Increasing social activity, integration and new opportunities to participate in cultural events contributed to greater unity of Żary`s residents. The biggest challenge was to convince ourselves - the City Hall workers - and change our way of thinking and approach to action, as well as encouraging residents to get involved in the city''s activities at every stage of preparation and implementation of the project. However, the biggest surprise of the project was the extraordinary involvement of youth - creative, full of energy and fresh ideas, which can bring unexpected and inspiring results in the city''s development process.
Project "Żary, I want to live here!!!" (“Żary, this is where I want to live!!!”) was a comprehensive project that brought tangible benefits to various groups of residents, entrepreneurs, institutions and the environment. Its implementation not only eliminated the identified problems, but also created solid foundations for the further city development.