From 2017 to 2020, 21 Solutions participated in this research-actionproject that explores collaborative relationships between civic engagement and the local authorities, in partnership with Brulocalis, Strategic Design Scenarios and the Foundation for Future Generations.
And with good reason, because the Brussels Region abounds in initiatives by citizens who are getting involved for their neighbourhood, for the common good, and for a better life and a better world, while for their part, local and regional authorities are developing numerous environmental policies and looking to support grassroots initiatives.
But how can this collaboration be facilitated and modes of governance proposed that are designed not ‘for’ the people, but ‘with’ them?
Bringing together around this approach various stakeholders – municipalities, regional authorities, the academic world, citizen initiatives, associations of local committees, associations of transition initiatives, and experts in participation, sustainable development and urban planning – the VILCO team has set up an innovative methodology for trialling new forms of collaboration within five LivingLabsinvolving local authority employees, elected representatives and citizensin Watermael-Boitsfort, Etterbeek, the City of Brussels, Uccle and Brussels Environment.
These neutral spaces can be used to test new forms of collaboration, including meetings between elected representatives and citizens, capacity-building and assistance with the co-construction of mechanisms such as neighbourhood assemblies, the creation of participatory budgets or the pooling of resources such as municipal spaces with citizens.
Discover the VILCO research report.
This document synthesizes the journey completed in 3 years as well as the main learnings.
Find out more : http://vilco.brussels