02

INTERNATIONAL DISCOURSE OF NEIGHBORHOOD MANAGEMENT

The focus in this part is on international experience in regard to neighborhood management. Cases from Austria, The Netherlands and the German experience of neighborhood management, especially the case of Berlin will be described and analysed. We have collected data about the framework within which the QM has been initiated and established. The model has different aspects and defined system components that function together in order to maintain the functionality of that system.

2.1

International cases

Several cases of neighborhood management attempts were explored from different countries.

The Seestadt Neighbourhood Management Office – Vienna, Austria

(https://www.aspern-seestadt.at/en/about_us/neighbourhood_management).

The main tasks:

    1. The activities of the Neighbourhood Management Office focus on developing community life in the new urban center.
    2. The team act as bridge-builders and facilitators between residents and the various stakeholders and institutions active at Seestadt.
    3. They keep residents informed of the latest developments in their area. The team is at everyone’s service for inquiries and input.
    4. They help new residents settle in and find their feet, facilitate the development of a lively community, and support initiatives for active involvement in the neighborhood. 
    5. They encourage people to explore and discover Seestadt and its surrounding area
    6. They encourage active participation in community affairs and provide space for interaction and engagement.
    7. Developing a culture in the neighborhood.

Neighborhood management in Hagen, Germany.

They are responsible in particular for questions of (urban) structural renewal as well as for the local economy / cultural economy. They are particularly concerned with strengthening local structures in the areas of social affairs, education, and integration and supervise projects in these areas.

 

The main tasks:

  1. To serve as a general point of contact for residents of the district
  2. To support the active district population in their activities if necessary
  3. to activate others and to motivate them to participate, if necessary also to enable them
  4. To enter into close cooperation with local businesses, local institutions (schools, daycare centers, churches, police, etc.), local clubs, initiatives, and associations and to organize participation
  5. To be present in the district and to be available for all questions of the residents during office hours and to provide information
  6. To act as a motor and coordinator for the entire NM process
  7. To support the city of Hagen in coordinating and controlling all projects;
  8. Bringing together and moderating the various actors on-site
  9. To support the development and implementation of projects, to advise and accompany on project proposals, to acquire third-party funds
  10. To do public relations and communication

Neighborhood management – Rheydt, Germany.

  • The quarter management team focuses on the revitalization of vacancies, the activation of citizens, and networking in the district.
  • It informs residents, professionals, and other interested parties in the district about funding opportunities and motivates them to participate in the district.
  • With various network events, citizens can easily network on certain topics or activities in the city center.
  • Offers open consultation hours for everyone in the neighborhood.

Neighborhood management – Dortmund Nordstadt, Germany.

The northern part of the city has developed into an increasingly attractive district characterized by urban, cultural, and social diversity. Funding programs, in particular the EU community initiative URBAN II, made a significant contribution to this. In May 2002, the Nordstadt district management was set up for the first time in this context.

 

The quarter management team of seven consists of a project manager, permanent contact persons for the Borsigplatz, Nordmark, and Hafen quarters, as well as a real estate team.The quarter management team of seven consists of a project manager, permanent contact persons for the Borsigplatz, Nordmark, and Hafen quarters, as well as a real estate team. The success of neighborhood management depends largely on the participation and cooperation of everyone who lives, owns, works, or is otherwise active in the district. Only with active residents and lively neighborhoods can the quarter develop as a livable urban space.

The main tasks:

The district management networks the diverse commitment of different actors (residents, associations, housing companies, private owners, traders, religious communities, educational institutions, police, politics, administration, etc.) and supports them in the implementation of ideas and projects. It makes an important contribution to improving the living and living situation in the northern part of the city. In cooperation with the housing companies involved in Nordstadt and other parties involved, the district management carries out measures that serve to improve the image of the district.

 

The district management promotes and supports civic engagement in the district and contributes to the improvement of neighborly coexistence. It involves the residents in the planning and implementation of activities such as cleanliness or beautification campaigns. Those involved can receive financial support for their projects through a neighborhood fund. The neighborhood management supports private homeowners with advice. An owners forum is being organized to share experiences among them. With the courtyard, facade, and lighting design program, private investments are financially supported. For this, 100,000 euros are available annually. In addition, the district management contributes to the valuation of problem properties.