Parla has become a dormitory town of Madrid. It has suffered a process of urban development unordered and chaotic, growing from 1,800 citizens to more than 100,000 in only 40 years. Historically, Parla has lacked services infrastructures and equipment to satisfy the citizens’ needs.

The Parla City Council decided to involve the citizens in the review of the General Urban Plan of 1997. To achieve this goal a participative structure was created that included politicians, technicians and local civil groups, as well as external experts. Thus, all social sectors (enterprises, unions, political parties, associations, etc.) took part in the debate, enriching it with different viewpoints, discourses and positions.

The project was divided in two phases, the first of them trying to achieve a consensus on the diagnostic of the municipality, including the different views and interpretations of the reality of Parla. The second phase is dedicated to suggestions: as the Zoning Plan defines the territorial and urban future of any city, it is seen as an ideal space to articulate processes of co-management.

Ctizens’ participation has contributed to a change of perception on Parla, from dormitory town to full city. Also, new projects have appeared in the field of co-management, closing the gap between the citizens and the local administration.

Parla City Council
Plaza de la Constitución, 1 (Alcaldía).
28980 Parla
Spain
Phone: +34 91 624 03 69
Fax: +34 91 624 03 49.
galcaldia@ayuntamientoparla.es

29/12/2006

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation