Cities across Europe face a shared challenge: how to make renovation projects not just about buildings but about empowering communities. The Santa Ana neighbourhood, a pilot site for the EU-funded project drOp, provides a compelling example of how co-governance can achieve this. In a webinar dedicated to sharing insights from the project, we explored how this model could inspire other European cities to integrate citizens’ voices into their development strategies.
At the heart of the co-governance approach are three key pillars: deep community engagement, actionable initiatives, and adaptable structures. The journey in Santa Ana began with a thorough analysis of the neighbourhood’s stakeholders. Once potential participants were identified, a multi-phase engagement process unfolded. Residents, local organizations, and other stakeholders came together to co-create a vision for their community.
This engagement phase was composed of a carefully structured series of sessions designed to build trust and shared understanding. Initial meetings clarified the project’s goals and boundaries, setting realistic expectations. Follow-up sessions focused on enhancing listening skills, brainstorming future scenarios, and providing training for co-creation and decision-making. Inclusivity was a constant challenge, highlighting the importance of accessibility and the need to attract diverse participants across age, culture, and professional backgrounds.
The model then moved into action with a series of seven initiatives tailored to Santa Ana. These included forming a Local Task Force. One notable early success was a tactical urbanism project, reimagining public spaces to improve quality of life and community interaction.
Lessons learned
The webinar emphasized that while the co-governance model is adaptable, its success depends on careful planning and execution. Cities looking to implement similar initiatives should consider these takeaways:
- Inclusive Engagement: Ensuring that all voices are heard requires targeted communication and diverse participation strategies. Inclusivity must be prioritized from the start.
- Clear Processes: A structured framework, like the one used in drOp, provides clarity while remaining flexible enough to adapt to local needs.
- Expectation Management: Transparent communication is crucial to align stakeholders’ hopes with project realities.
- Continuous Communication: Multiple channels, including word of mouth and neighborhood offices, are needed to keep everyone informed throughout the process.
- Capacity Building: Offering training for participation and decision-making can empower citizens to take an active role in shaping their communities.
The Santa Ana experience shows that renovation projects can go far beyond infrastructure. By fostering collaboration, building trust, and empowering citizens, cities across Europe can transform neighbourhoods into thriving, inclusive communities. For municipalities and housing professionals, the drOp model offers an inspiring roadmap for integrating co-governance into their strategies.
Rewatch the webinar here.
