2024 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"
18th Edition
Vienna: Future Team RothNEUsiedl
The practice consisted of the implementation of the "Future Team" RothNEUsiedl, which has brought the City of Vienna about transformative impacts on community engagement and urban planning processes and has raised the format of citizens' councils to a new level. The Future Team was introduced as a robust participatory approach required for an urban planning project emphasizing dialogue and involving numerous dedicated citizens and interest groups, spanning multiple planning stages and requiring a long-term perspective.
The Future Team's innovative composition, including both nominated and randomly selected members, ensures a diverse representation of the community. Local stakeholders, including those from agriculture, citizen initiatives, and neighbouring associations, contribute their unique perspectives to the planning dialogue. This inclusive approach ensures that the Future Team reflects the demographic and social fabric of the planning area Rothneusiedl.
The Team serves as a vital bridge between the general public and urban planning authorities, with citizens acting as both mediators and multipliers within their communities. Through their active involvement in the planning process, team members share their experiences and knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of urban development among residents.
One of the most significant achievements of the Future Team has been its ability to humanise the planning process, giving a continuous face to community voices in the eyes of planners and jurors. By ensuring that individuals are represented rather than just their suggestions, the practice supports mutual understanding and empathy between stakeholders. This approach not only empowers citizens by demonstrating that their voices are heard but also enables planners to gain valuable insights into community priorities and concerns.
Furthermore, the continuous evaluation and dissemination of feedback through various channels, including a comprehensive project website and analogue project newspapers, promote transparency and accountability. This multi-platform approach also reinforces the importance of citizen contributions to the overall process. As the Future Team has proved so successful as an interface between the general public and planning, the method will also be used in other projects in future.
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