SMART ZYWIEC - (r)evolution

Description

The aim of the project is to comprehensively minimize the previously defined problems of the city. It will focus, among others, on the following activities:

1) changing the communication habits of residents, as well as limiting car traffic in the city center;

2) improving the use of the infrastructure of local sports clubs by the inhabitants;

3) increasing the pro-health awareness of the inhabitants;

4) blurring antagonisms in the Żywiec community and building intergenerational bonds;

5) stimulating local entrepreneurship and education aimed at the development of tourism and related industries;

6) increasing the participation of disabled people and other groups exposed to discrimination in social life, public services and electronic communication;

7) implementation of strategic management enabling the city to enter a new development path and raising the standards of local government administration, as well as strengthening relations with residents and increasing their participation in co-governance of the city.

Summary of project results

The city of Zywiec is located in the southern part of the Silesian Voivodeship, in the county of Zywiec, close to the border with Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It is inhabited by approximately 30,000 people. In the 19th and 20th centuries Zywiec was a dynamic industrial and service centre (e.g. Zywiec beer) and a popular tourist destination (e.g. the Beskid Culture Week folklore event). As a result of socio-economic changes, the town lost its functions and the economic situation of the inhabitants deteriorated significantly. A key problem was air pollution (inter alia due to the volume of traffic in the city centre) entailing the stigmatisation of the city on the tourist, investment and economic map of Poland. This problem is also linked to the depopulation of the city perceived as passive, failing to provide its inhabitants with a sufficient quality of life and negatively affecting their health and social activity as well as undermining their personal entrepreneurship. A separate but equally visible problem was the antagonism between the inhabitants of the city centre and the peripheral neighbourhoods and the related feeling of alienation of the inhabitants of the periphery, caused by the historical background and poor communication of especially the Zablocie district with the rest of the city. It was here that the key line of social conflict ran, making it difficult to integrate and build a community of interests for all residents of Zywiec.

The key institutional problem was insufficient preparation of the local government to co-govern, meet the needs of the local community and put the city on a new development path.

The SMART ZYWIEC - (r)evolution project is a comprehensive response to difficulties related to the quality of life of the inhabitants, air pollution, social problems, the development of the local economy and the effectiveness of local government. It focused on the following activities:

1. Clean, healthy Zywiec by changing the transport habits of the inhabitants, as well as reducing car traffic in the city centre
2. Active Zywiec through an improvement in the degree to which residents use the infrastructure of local clubs, an increase in the pro-health awareness of residents as well as the development of sports and recreation infrastructure and space for physical activity and the popularisation of a healthy lifestyle
3. Common Zywiec through an increase in health-consciousness among residents, the creation of a local community of interests for all residents of Zywiec, the creation of an aesthetically pleasing public space that is cared for by all residents, as well as an increase in the feeling of safety in public space and improved conditions for the integration of residents of all districts
4. Entrepreneurial Zywiec through stimulation of local entrepreneurship and education aimed at the development of tourism and related industries, improvement of the image of Zywiec as a developing tourist destination and a town supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of its inhabitants
5. Accessible Zywiec through increased participation of people with disabilities and other groups at risk of discrimination in social life, public services and electronic communication, implementation of institutional and infrastructural solutions resulting from accessibility standards
6. Self-governing Zywiec through the implementation of strategic management enabling the introduction of the city on a new development path and raising the standards of operation of the local administration, as well as improving the competence and professional motivation of officials, strengthening relations with inhabitants and increasing their participation in co-governance of the city, and disseminating knowledge on the application of modern solutions in city management.

The City of Zywiec, in order to combat massive air pollution, has engaged in large EU-funded projects to modernise or replace heat sources in public institutions and households, develop the municipal heating network and create public transport-friendly solutions (transfer centre, railway stations, paid parking zones).

These areas were reinforced by project activities encouraging residents to change their transport habits (construction of a pedestrian and cycle route together with a footbridge connecting neighbourhoods) in order to reduce car traffic in the city centre and reduce air pollution.  Environmental activities and actions involving residents were also planned (e.g. joint planting of vegetation with residents). In order to improve the vitality of residents and encourage them to integrate outdoors, the recreational and sports infrastructure in Zywiec will be expanded and public recreational and sports activity programmes will be implemented with the involvement of community partners. Improved aesthetics and safety of public spaces and expanded security monitoring will encourage residents to care for the city together through, for example, the joint creation of urban murals. Educational programmes to improve safety for both cyclists and pedestrians will also be implemented. The project includes activities to support the development of entrepreneurship, such as the implementation of the ‘I am an ambassador for Zywiec’ programme, or a programme promoting volunteerism for schoolchildren ‘I am guided through Zywiec and its surroundings,’ are also intended to strengthen the local potential for tourism development. These activities are complemented by a planned image campaign for Zywiec and activities aimed at potential external investors. An important element of the project is measures to implement accessibility standards: the construction of pedestrian crossings with signalling and an inclusive surface, the purchase of a  and intercom, the implementation of a mobile clerk''s service, training for local government officials in handling disabled applicants and sign language courses.

In terms of institutional development, among other things, an in-depth audit of staff competences is planned ex ante and ex post. The scope of the project also includes the development of a city development strategy and missing local policies. A programme of courses, specialised training and other forms of improving the competencies of local government staff will be implemented. As part of strengthening relations with residents and other stakeholders, the following is planned: modernisation of the city''s website to expand participatory activities, creation of so-called living labs

The construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Soła River with adjoining pedestrian and cycle routes creating conditions for increased pedestrian and cycle traffic outside the city''s main traffic routes was considered to be key to achieving the project''s objectives. This is a key project linked to the installation of cameras and RES lighting at the site. This action fits into all three dimensions of the programme:

• social - the project puts an end to the social alienation of Zablocie and strengthens social cohesion, reintegrating the inhabitants of the area with the centre and other districts of Zywiec,
• economic - improved accessibility to Zablocie industrial estates and the transport infrastructure (including the transfer centre, railway station and bus station) for people moving there from other parts of the city (e.g. to places of work and business) and, at the same time, an increase in the attractiveness of the entire city for tourists, who, thanks to this investment, will find it much easier to move around the city, the number of tourist visits to the city will increase and their duration will be extended, which will translate into its economic potential,
• environmental - the development of pedestrian and cycle routes has led to a reduction in car traffic in the town centre, and in combination with other activities (non-investment activities, e.g. an environmental campaign) contributes to an improvement in air quality in Zywiec.

As part of investment activities, the project ‘Construction of a brine graduation tower together with a relaxation zone in the Habsburg Park’ and ‘Reconstruction of the playing field at the “Club Ogródek” in the Habsburg Park’ were carried out as part of the development of generally available sport and recreation infrastructure and space for physical activity and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. These tasks are in line with the social objective, enabling physical activity and healthy recreation for residents and visitors to the historic Habsburg Park in Zywiec. In addition, it should be emphasised that the investment indirectly contributes to economic and spatial objectives by stimulating local tourism and developing recreational infrastructure.

As part of the investment activities, undertakings related to accessibility were also carried out, i.e. the construction of pedestrian crossings and the purchase of a stairlift, the purchase of stickers and warning tapes for people with disabilities and an intercom, as well as training for local government officials related to serving disabled petitioners and a needs diagnosis for the implementation of accessibility standards and a mobile clerk service.

The project also included a number of information and promotional activities encouraging residents and visitors to change their travel habits in Zywiec and to use pedestrian and cycle routes, education activities on road safety for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, as part of social activation, educational activities on mitigating and counteracting the effects of climate change were carried out, i.e. the competition for the prettiest Zywiec garden and balcony, workshops on planting forests in glass and gardening workshops, through the implementation of the ‘Green Zywiec’ programme involving planting pollution-absorbing vegetation and flower meadows in the city''s public spaces together with residents.

Other non-investment activities implemented in the environmental dimension include: the launch of the SMART Trash system, which consists of signalling the level of filling of rubbish bins, and activities to improve the urban aesthetics, i.e. a cyclical action of co-creation of murals by residents accompanied by numerous workshops. These activities have primarily an environmental and social dimension.

As part of the development of generally accessible sport and recreation infrastructure and space for physical activity and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, recreational and sporting activities were carried out in football, volleyball, boules, table tennis and dance. The general development activities stimulated both greater activity and vitality among the residents of Zywiec, while also improving their well-being. All of these activities were carried out together with partners, making an excellent contribution to the social dimension.

The project also involved activities to stimulate local entrepreneurship in tourism and related industries, including image-building activities involving well-known Zywiec residents and people coming  from Zywiec, the ‘I am an ambassador for Zywiec’ programme, as well as activities directly relating to the tourism sector, addressed to young people interested in volunteering in the form of the ‘I guide around Zywiec and its surroundings’ programme.

Actions to support the institutional development of the city include the development of a city development strategy and missing local policies, i.e. a strategy for the development of Zywiec''s tourist brand with a focus on stimulating local entrepreneurship, a concept for a municipal cycling policy and a municipal climate change adaptation plan (e.g. The project will also include the following activities: conducting an in-depth competence audit of local government employees (ex ante and ex post evaluation of changes in the level of competence of local government employees after the completion of training), specialist training for employees of the Zywiec Town Hall and subordinate units related to the implementation of the new path of town development, as well as courses and trainings, postgraduate and MBA studies and other forms of improving the thematic competence of local government employees in areas related to their duties.

As part of strengthening relations with residents and other stakeholders, the following was planned: modernisation of the city''s website to expand participatory activities.

Initiatives to promote sustainability and community involvement were implemented, such as cyclical environmental workshops, educational information campaigns and ‘Zywiec murals’ co-created by residents. A number of activities were also implemented concerning the modernisation of the urban space and the promotion of energy-efficient technologies, supporting measures for cleaner air and improved infrastructure

The ‘SMART Zywiec – (r)evolution’ project aimed to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of Zywiec and to strengthen the sustainable development of the city by implementing a number of environmental, recreational, educational and infrastructural activities. Here are the main achievements of the project and the target groups that benefited from them:

• A footbridge over the Soła River and 1.2 km of pedestrian and cycle paths were built, increasing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists and facilitating the use of public transport. Thanks to RES lighting and monitoring, the safety and comfort of users has improved.
• Information campaigns targeting businesses, schools and the general public promoted active transport, such as cycling, and encouraged a change in travel habits.
• A ‘smart trash’ system was implemented, whereby 40 waste bins were equipped with fill sensors and a fill level monitoring app.
• The ‘Green Zywiec’ programme included planting trees, shrubs, establishing flower meadows and installing benches and bins. Local kindergartens and schools participated in the activities, increasing their environmental awareness and involvement. In addition, the following Partners were involved in the activities: Complex of Construction and Wood Schools named after Home Army in Żywiec, Technical and Forestry School Complex in Żywiec, Volunteer Fire Department Żywiec Sporysz.
• A brine graduation tower was built in Habsburg Park, and a multifunctional sports field was modernised at the ‘Club Ogródek’, creating new spaces for physical activity and social integration.
• The project also included sports and recreational activities at the facilities of the Partners, i.e. the Żywiec Boules Club, the ‘Stal - Śrubiarnia’ Sports Association, the ‘Góral 1956 Żywiec’ Sports Club, the People''s Integration Sports Association ‘Anders Furniture’ and the Artistic and Sports SWING Foundation. A total of 7245 people took part in the activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle among residents through local sports clubs.
• Numerous gardening workshops were organised, as well as two editions of the competition for the most beautiful garden and balcony in Zywiec, in which 636 people took part and 33 owners were awarded prizes. At the same time, there were gardening consultations, plant exchange campaigns at 4 fixed points, 6 outdoor plant exchanges, a social media group that promoted ecological habits among residents.
• As part of the ‘Zywiec Murals-edition II’ competition, five murals were created in the Zywiec area, accompanied by art workshops for residents. The initiative allowed participants to be directly involved in the creative process, which strengthened social integration and enhanced the aesthetics of the city. The Partner: Żywiec Miasto Zmysłów Association was involved in the activity.
• Road safety training for pedestrians and cyclists, carried out in cooperation with Partners, i.e. the Silesian Provincial Group of the International Police Association IPA - Polish Section, the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union of Police Officers Territorial Board at the District Police Headquarters in Zywiec, increased the awareness of 581 people who took part in the project.
• A ‘I am guided through Zywiec and its surroundings’ guidebook for volunteers promoting tourism was developed and printed in cooperation with the PARAMUS Association, as well as a brochure encouraging people to live and invest in Zywiec.
• The project included a series of training courses for city officials and staff on serving people with disabilities, including sign language courses. Twenty-eight employees participated, improving the quality of service to residents at the town hall and public institutions.
• Within the framework of the partnership agreement concluded with the WSB Academy in Dąbrowa Gornicza, local government employees took part in numerous training courses to improve their professional competences in finance and accounting, environmental protection, public procurement law, personal data protection, the Code of Administrative Procedure, the Academy of Effective Officials and the ‘Speed Reading’ course . A total of 78 employees took part in the training courses. A total of 5 people took part in postgraduate studies in administration and MBA studies.
• Competency audits were carried out to identify the training needs of clerical staff and to develop competency profiles. As a result of the audits, a staff development plan was developed.
• The project also included workshops for young people and adults on road safety, traffic rules, and first aid. A total of 581 people participated in the workshops, with topics covering theoretical and practical aspects of safety, supporting the building of a more informed community.
• The project developed key strategic documents such as the City of Zywiec Development Strategy for 2023-2030 and the Municipal Cycling Policy, which set directions for the development of cycling infrastructure and promoted alternative modes of transport. These policies aim to make the city more accessible and environmentally friendly.
• A Tourism Brand Development Strategy for the City of Zywiec for 2023 - 2030 was prepared, as well as a Municipal Climate Change Adaptation Plan. This document sets out actions to counter the effects of climate change, including improving energy efficiency and green infrastructure management.
• A series of stationary workshops were held, with experts discussing topics such as the diagnosis of the city''s problems, the development of human smart city ideas and good governance practices. The workshops brought together a wide range of officials, residents and local leaders.
• Four conferences were held with a total of 281 participants and 33 people attended the accompanying workshops.
  • The first conference – ‘Opening’ on the role of residents in building smart cities.
  • The conference ‘Zywiec: active city, active seniors’, promoting the activity and integration of seniors.
  • The conference ‘Zywiec: a city of youth’ emphasised the need for the city to be open to the needs of young people.
  • The concluding conference ‘Smart Zywiec - (r)evolution’, together with workshops on communication
• As part of the information and promotion activities, picnics were organised in the city''s neighbourhoods to integrate residents. The programme included environmental workshops, sports activities, artistic displays and competitions, which promoted an active lifestyle and the building of social bonds. The picnics provided an opportunity to spend time together and strengthen bonds, reinforcing a sense of community and responsibility for the urban space.

The "SMART Zywiec – (r)evolution" project was addressed to the city''s inhabitants, especially young people, seniors, families and local educational institutions. Activities undertaken as part of the project contributed to reducing traffic in the city center by moving pedestrians and cyclists away from the city''s main communication routes, increasing the quality of life of residents, improving the city''s aesthetics and sustainable city management.

 The "SMART Zywiec – (r)evolution" project has contributed to an increase in the ecological awareness of local residents, who better understand the impact of their actions on the environment and are more willing to get involved in pro-environmental initiatives. Thanks to projects such as new greenery planting, the development of cycling infrastructure or the implementation of ''smart trash'' systems, the aesthetics of public space have been improved, which has had a positive impact on the daily experience of residents. The project has also supported local cultural identity, integrating diverse community groups through events, workshops and educational programmes. Residents of Zywiec now benefit from better air quality and more welcoming urban spaces that encourage people to spend time outdoors and participate in local events. In turn, local institutions, through new partnerships and collaborations, have increased their competence in managing the environment and urban resources, strengthening their role in building a sustainable community. The project has not only increased the quality of life, but also integrated the community and raised the quality of administrative activities, which creates a solid foundation for further sustainable development of the city