Tactics for Realization of Urban Projects

Within Current Legislation and Management Practices

Abstract

The article presents key tactics for realization of urban projects by bottom-up actors within current management law-enforcement practices. Major features of urban activism and specifics of its development in modern Russia are described. Usage of new term “bottom-up urban actors” is justified. Major barriers are educed within empirical study — those that are typical in collaboration between activists and authorities. Available resources are highlighted — those useful for successful urban realm improvement, defending one’s “right to the city.” Recent successful non-for-profit bottom-up activities are analyzed — those where urban activists managed to achieve urban realm improvement in Tomsk and Moscow. Data was collected though in-depth semi-structured interviews with leaders and initiators of urban projects. Importance of social capital as resource for activism is highlighted. Experience and opportunities for application of other resources by activists for overcoming barriers is described. Research results can be used as a basis for further studies of urban activism in Russia, and useful for those who studies urban realm improvement¹.

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1 The article reflects the results of research by Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Urban projects adaptive strategies to changes in legislation and management practices.