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Description
1)Identified problems are: a town with polluted air and a shortage of natural rainwater retention facilities, urban space not adapted to counteract the negative effects of climate change,low percentage of people using e-services,lack of platform/space for building up attachment to the town,increase in disproportions in the perception of one''s own and others'' needs, increasing between supply and demand for personalized public institution services,decrease in the quality and accessibility of social services provided by NGOs,low attractiveness for the development of young people''s business,increase in the degree of inadequacy of the public service offer concerning settlement to the needs of recipients,low availability of flats or dwellings on the housing market.The main problem:"Deteriorating living, working and housing conditions inZgierz".2)The planned activities - concentrated on the solving the main problem identified. Mostly are focused on environmental protection, inclusion of citizens in the active life and economic development.We plan to prepare targeted strategic documents. Activities are focused on youth/adults/seniors. 3)The most important effect of the implementation of the Plans will be to improve the quality of life/working/studying and leisure activities of the residents.The activities being implemented and the goals achieved allow to directly answer the defined problems with the help of predefined potentials which the town has.4)Donor project partner – required to provide extensive support in the field of environmental protection,especially - reclaiming and conversion of hazardous waste landfills.National project partners –cooperation with different organizations(Universities,foundations,others)which increase competences and knowledge.Acquiring a new perspective on the development of management staff in a local government, establishing cooperation with a business support institution,thus initiating relations with entrepreneurs.
Summary of project results
The project''s objective was to improve the quality of life for the residents of Zgierz by making the city a more welcoming place to live, work, study, and spend free time. The project''s implementation aimed to address issues such as weak identification with and lack of attachment to Zgierz as a place to live, insufficient involvement of residents in decision-making processes, inadequate adaptation of various public services to residents'' needs, insufficient infrastructure and lack of spaces for active and engaging leisure activities, limited offerings of activation programs for seniors, and an unsatisfactory level of accessibility for people with special needs, including in the City Hall building.
Regarding the functioning of institutions, problems identified included an insufficient training offer for City Hall employees and a lack of modern, satisfactory solutions, particularly in the areas of employment and human resources management.
Additionally, the project was intended to help resolve several environmental issues, such as an insufficient number of containers for selective waste collection in public spaces, the lack of rainwater retention devices, and challenges related to the presence of unremediated industrial waste dumps within the municipality.
The city of Zgierz did not have a Norwegian partner and did not implement tasks jointly with a partner. However, city representatives participated in study visits to Arendal, Tromsø, and Oslo, as well as an international conference on human rights in Kristiansand. This allowed them to gain a closer understanding of how local government functions in Norway, the challenges faced by municipalities there, forms of cooperation with various social groups, and ways in which residents participate in solving problems, among other aspects.
Traditional Crafts Zone and Local Activity Center
As part of the project, buildings within the Weavers'' Town Cultural Park were renovated and adapted for craft workshops. The rooms were equipped with basic tools, and the outdoor area was transformed into an open-air workshop zone and a chillout area.
Youth Chillout Zone
The aim of this initiative was to create a meeting place for young people, designed according to their ideas. The goal was to maintain the area’s wild and natural character while improving its aesthetics, recreational value, and comfort. The project included the development of design documentation, site planning, and the purchase of necessary equipment. The chillout zone features benches, seating areas, deckchairs, a street workout station, bicycle racks, and waste sorting bins. The area is well-lit and monitored.
Blooming Gardens in the Weavers’ Town
Within the Weavers'' Town Cultural Park, home gardens were established based on designs and functionalities agreed upon with residents, ensuring these spaces foster local community integration. Resident participation in both planning and execution was a key part of the project.
In the first phase, consultations were held regarding the development of courtyards. These discussions resulted in a research report that assessed the residents’ participatory potential and guided further actions. The second phase included tasks such as:
Removing old fences, drying racks, damaged benches, and trash bins,
Constructing driveways and walkways,
Hardscaping areas for waste shelters and building the shelters,
Protecting existing greenery and creating rain gardens,
Installing rainwater barrels,
Establishing raised vegetable gardens,
Planting shrubs, vegetables, and herbs,
Installing light structures for climbing plants,
Purchasing and installing small urban architecture elements, such as benches, trash bins, picnic tables, and grills,
Painting entrance doors to storage units,
Installing lighting and street lamps,
Designing and painting a mural.
Microgrants for NGOs and Informal Groups
As part of the participatory initiatives, a total of 100,000 PLN was allocated to microgrants for NGOs and informal groups. The funding supported projects related to social participation, senior and youth policies, environmental protection, and small urban architecture. Seven organizations received funding.
Zgierz Senior Center and senior policy
This initiative is located within the Weavers’ Town Cultural Park. As part of the project, new equipment was purchased, and a year-round gazebo was installed on the premises. The acquired items include furniture, garden umbrellas, and equipment to support senior-focused activities, such as kitchen appliances and sports gear. The senior policy program offers activation and integration activities, meetings, cultural events, as well as music, culinary, ceramic, and other workshops.
Informational Totems
Self-service multimedia devices with touchscreens were installed at five bus stops, providing access to the passenger information system and real-time updates about the city.
Rainwater Retention
A small rain garden was created to capture and store surface runoff from the area adjacent to the roadway. This system helps retain rainwater to sustain the garden’s plant life.
Selective Waste Collection Containers
Recycling bins have been installed in the city center, parks, and children''s playgrounds to support selective waste collection.
Assessment of Unreclaimed Landfills
A comprehensive report was developed based on conducted research regarding unreclaimed waste landfills in the former Boruta Dye Industry Plant area. The report analyzes their environmental impact, available reclamation technologies, and estimated reclamation costs.
Bicycle Paths
A total of 2 km of bicycle paths and pedestrian-bike routes were constructed, connecting the Malinka recreational-sports complex with the City Park.
Establishment of the Shared Services Center
The investment part of the project included the renovation and adaptation of a building for the needs of the Shared Services Center (CUW). As an organizational unit, CUW handles accounting and payroll for 21 schools and kindergartens. Project funds were used to purchase computer equipment, software, employee training, and the construction of a multi-portal for CUW and the units it serves.
Social Development Strategy of the City of Zgierz and the Smart City Concept
Documents titled “Development Strategy of the City of Zgierz for 2023-2030 with a Perspective until 2040” and “City Development Program Based on the Smart City Concept” have been developed. These documents were created with broad social participation.
Youth Policy of the Municipality of the City of Zgierz
To identify key areas of youth policy from the perspective of young people themselves, a series of activities involving youth and professionals working with them was conducted. These included meetings, workshops, surveys, research walks, and focus studies. An outdoor event was also organized, emphasizing youth participation in shaping the city''s youth policy and implementing proposed solutions.
Following the analysis of collected results and local and national data, a strategic document titled “Youth City After Hours. Youth Policy of the Municipality of the City of Zgierz – Diagnosis, Recommendations, Implementation” was developed, and a Youth Affairs Representative was appointed. As part of the youth policy implementation, an onboarding brochure for young people was published, equipment for a youth chill-out zone at the Municipal Cultural Center was purchased, and a video about the city''s youth policy was produced for the film magazine “Zgierska Przestrzeń”.
Zgierz Resident Card and Miasto Zgierz App
The Zgierz Resident Card is a loyalty program promoting individuals who pay their taxes in Zgierz. Cardholders benefit from various discounts, rebates, and promotions offered by local businesses and institutions such as the Municipal Cultural Center and the Zgierz City Museum. For entrepreneurs, the Card serves as a promotional tool and a way to reach customers more effectively.
We have also launched the Miasto Zgierz mobile application. Residents of Zgierz selected the most important and useful modules, which were prioritized for implementation: news, a waste collection calendar, an interactive map, and modules for public consultations and issue reporting.
Both city digital products are integrated based on the principle of cross-posting.
Language Courses
As part of the project, employees of the Zgierz City Hall had the opportunity to participate in English and Ukrainian language courses, as well as a Polish Sign Language course.
Managerial Training for Supervisory and Executive Staff
The goal of the training sessions was to enhance the managerial competencies of heads of organizational units, department heads of the Zgierz City Hall, and other individuals in leadership positions. The training covered topics such as leadership styles, the art of delegating and enforcing tasks and responsibilities, motivational tools for building manager-subordinate relationships, characteristics of winning teams, assertive communication and teamwork, verbal and non-verbal communication, effective communication tools, different types of attitudes and their impact on collaboration, and how to provide constructive feedback.
HR Department
Instead of a conventional Personnel Department, we established a three-person HR Department. The team''s activities aimed at broadly enhancing the quality of human resources at Zgierz City Hall, including improving employee competencies and motivation. As part of this initiative, we offered various training sessions and courses, developed and implemented a career path and professional aptitude identification program for City Hall employees called "Career Paths." A total of 22 employees participated in this multi-stage program.
Additionally, we developed the "Employee Development Strategy for Zgierz City Hall," a document designed to help employees from different departments engage in continuous learning and develop both expert and soft skills.
Accessibility in the Institutions of the Municipality of the City of Zgierz
The project included various initiatives to improve accessibility for individuals with special needs. We established a team of accessibility leaders. Employees of Zgierz City Hall participated in several training sessions on architectural, informational, and digital accessibility. A digital accessibility guide was created for internal use.
An accessibility audit was conducted for four City Hall buildings, along with consultations on solutions to improve architectural and informational accessibility. Based on the obtained guidelines, we purchased additional horizontal signage, pictogram and Braille signs, a call system, 11 evacuation mattresses, 11 evacuation mats, 3 stationary induction loops, 5 portable induction loops, and 33 Totupoint markers.
Furthermore, the "Accessibility Standards for the Municipality of the City of Zgierz" document was developed as a result of consultations with experts, Zgierz residents, representatives of non-governmental organizations (including organizations for people with disabilities), as well as employees of Zgierz City Hall and its subordinate units.
Construction of an Elevator at Zgierz City Hall
The investment enabled the fulfillment of the primary goal of architectural accessibility for the building. The project ensures that individuals with disabilities and others with special needs have direct access to all floors of Zgierz City Hall.
Old Crafts Zone and Local Activity Center
The city has gained a space for running craft workshops. The workshops—covering ceramics, arts, painting, drawing, and printmaking—are open to all residents of Zgierz, including children, teenagers, and adults.
The Local Activity Center serves as a space available to non-governmental organizations for their social activities.
Youth Chillout Zone
The city has created a new recreational space that is almost entirely a biologically active area, supporting biodiversity conservation.
The Chillout Zone was designed and equipped based on ideas from Zgierz''s youth, who are the primary beneficiaries of this initiative. The project has also led to increased youth engagement in city affairs.
Blooming Gardens in the City of Weavers
The project has improved the quality of urban space. Several courtyards in the historic part of Zgierz have been revitalized, creating small home gardens that serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. The revitalized spaces provide areas for relaxation and community interaction while also allowing for activities such as growing vegetables and herbs.
The direct beneficiaries of the project are the residents of these homes, who use and maintain the gardens. Indirect beneficiaries include all Zgierz residents and tourists visiting the City of Weavers Cultural Park.
The initiative has also fostered greater community engagement in city affairs.
Microgrants for Non-Governmental Organizations and Informal Groups
Seven entities received microgrant funding. The program supported the following initiatives:
- A TikTok competition for youth and integration workshops with self-advocates
- Workshops on safe mountain tourism
- A football tournament
- The production of a music video
- Choreographic and ballet workshops for figure skating
- Sports activities for preschool children
- Sports activities for youth and members of the Zgierz chapter of the Polish Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities
The initiative indirectly benefited NGOs and informal groups of local activists. The primary stakeholders were the residents of Zgierz, particularly young people, who were the main target audience for the grant-funded activities.
Zgierz Senior Center and Senior Policy
The city has gained a dedicated space for various activities for seniors, who are the primary stakeholders of this initiative. This dedicated facility allows the city to better and more extensively implement its local senior policy. Around 150 people participate in activation activities each month.
Information Totems
Information totems have been installed at five bus stops, serving both aesthetic and practical functions. The project has improved access to public transport information for all passengers in Zgierz and enhanced the overall quality of urban space.
Rainwater Retention
The project has improved urban space quality by providing a practical solution to street flooding while also promoting better environmental resource management. Additionally, an aesthetically pleasing rain garden has been created, aligning with the city’s greening strategy. The rain garden covers an area of 110 m², while the total area with improved water retention measures spans 498 m². The beneficiaries of this initiative are the residents of Zgierz.
Containers for Selective Waste Collection
The project has enhanced the quality of urban space by installing 196 aesthetically designed waste separation containers (49 sets) in public areas, mainly in the city center. Additionally, 76 crayon-shaped containers (19 sets) have been placed in playgrounds and parks. The main beneficiaries are Zgierz residents, with a special focus on children—these fun and friendly-shaped containers were designed to encourage waste sorting, using colors that match the standard waste separation codes.
Assessment of Unreclaimed Landfills, Their Environmental Impact, and Remediation Costs
The city has obtained a crucial document that will guide future efforts to reclaim land from the former Boruta Dye Industry Plant. The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are the residents of Zgierz.
Bicycle Paths
The project has improved urban space quality by constructing 2 km of dedicated cycling paths and pedestrian-cyclist routes. These new routes benefit local cyclists as well as visiting bike tourists.
Establishment of the Shared Services Center
The Shared Services Center (CUW) provides accounting and payroll services for 21 schools and kindergartens, offering economic and logistical benefits for the city. Through the multi-portal service, all schools and kindergartens have access to an online platform for publishing information according to a unified structure.
The main beneficiary of this initiative is the Municipality of Zgierz, which has gained an efficient solution for managing its operations while integrating administrative procedures across organizational units. Additionally, schools and kindergartens benefit from professional service support.
Social Development Strategy of Zgierz and the Smart City Concept
The city has developed two strategic documents. The Municipality of Zgierz is the primary beneficiary, while the residents of Zgierz are indirect stakeholders, as their quality of life depends on efficient and effective urban management.
Youth Policy of the Municipality of Zgierz
The result of this initiative is the involvement of residents, particularly young people, in the city’s governance processes.
The city has gained a new strategic document, improving long-term management. As part of the implementation of its recommendations, an additional recreational space—the Youth Chillout Zone at the Municipal Cultural Center—was created.
The main stakeholders of this initiative are the young residents of Zgierz.
Zgierz Resident Card and Miasto Zgierz App
The implementation of these products has improved service accessibility, both in municipal administration and private businesses.
All Zgierz residents benefit from this initiative, as both products are free and available to everyone. A key beneficiary group includes local entrepreneurs, who can use the Resident Card as a promotional channel.
Language Courses
This initiative has enhanced the quality of customer service, better aligning the administration with residents’ needs while also improving the skills of City Hall employees and organizational unit staff.
Direct beneficiaries include the employees who participated:
- 28 individuals in the English course,
- 15 in the Ukrainian course,
- 15 in the Polish Sign Language course.
Indirect beneficiaries are the residents interacting with the City Hall and its organizational units.
Managerial Training for Executive and Administrative Staff
The training program has improved management quality within Zgierz City Hall and its organizational units, enhancing communication and leadership skills among managers.
Direct stakeholders include the over 70 participants of the training sessions. Indirect beneficiaries are all employees who experience the positive effects of improved management and communication.
HR Department
The stakeholders of this initiative are the employees of Zgierz City Hall. Approximately 290 individuals participated in the training sessions.
The outcome is the improvement of human resources management quality at the City Hall, enhanced communication, better integration, as well as increased employee motivation, and the development of both soft and expert skills.
Accessibility in the Institutions of Zgierz Municipality
The primary result of this initiative is the improvement of accessibility in the buildings of Zgierz City Hall and its organizational units.
The beneficiaries are Zgierz residents, especially those with special needs, including people with disabilities, who benefit from various services in the city.
Another result is the enhancement of employee competencies at Zgierz City Hall and its organizational units. Over 150 employees have been trained in accessibility, making them the direct beneficiaries of the project.
Installation of an Elevator in Zgierz City Hall
The result of this initiative is the installation of an elevator in Zgierz City Hall, ensuring architectural accessibility of the building.
The beneficiaries of this solution are all visitors and employees of the City Hall.