Investigating Community Participation in Urban Development Projects in Praga Północ, Warsaw

This study investigates community participation in sustainable urban development projects in Praga Północ, Warsaw. Sustainable urban planning involves creating inclusive, environmentally responsible spaces that enhance residents' quality of life. The importance of citizen involvement in urban regeneration, and how democratic governments should engage residents in decisions affecting their lives is emphasized in this research. The study mainly explores which parameters impact participation; what kind of problems residents have about Praga Północ and accordingly, in which aspect of sustainable development they propose their projects; and lastly what challenges does citizen participation involve to be able to comprehend resident engagement in Praga Północ from different perspectives. The research finds that local organizations and NGOs play a crucial role in fostering community involvement by connecting residents with local authorities. The Participatory Budget Program which is applied in many cities in Poland was identified as a key tool in empowering residents, encouraging control of public spaces, and promoting participation. Despite the obstacles such as bureaucratic hurdles that resident engagement is facing in Praga Północ, the study demonstrates that collective action and collaboration with local organizations enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods. Active citizen engagement is vital for sustainable urban development, as it ensures that projects reflect the diverse needs of the community. It is comprehended from the outcomes of case studies and literature review analysis that inclusiveness in urban planning is an indispensable part of resilient and sustainable cities.