Zatorze is one of the oldest and poorest districts of Olsztyn. According to statistics it has the highest population density in the city, but at the same time, its residents face numerous problems, such as poverty or the risk of social exclusion, poor condition of buildings they live in, or small number of meeting points for residents. There are no regular social initiatives and forms that could involve the district inhabitants in the process of making decisions on the development of Zatorze. To conduct a more detailed diagnosis, we organised a research and talked to residents, activists, representatives of resident councils, and local authorities.
We reacted to the above Zatorze problem by running a pilot of the grassroot district management method project. It is an innovative and participatory method that consists in engaging inhabitants in the life of their district. We organised four conferences devoted to district development, attended by municipal councillors, representatives of the City Hall, Housing Estate Councils, NGOs, housing and tenant associations, as well as city inhabitants. Based on knowledge gathered, we developed the District Office offer. We appointed an office manager who planned and organised district meetings, run surveys among residents, coordinated activations and supervised mini-competitions on local initiatives. We supported Zatorze inhabitants in organising three grassroot initiatives, we prepared three resolution drafts/recommendations for district development plans, and we submitted comments on four proposed legal acts. Furthermore, we co-organised nine events integrating the local community. We also supported local leaders by offering over two hundred hours of counselling provided by experts in such fields as law, urban planning, communication and social issues related to the functioning of the district.
Our project integrated people active in this part of the city, as it was joined by the representatives of Zatorze Housing Estate Council representatives, twelve institutions, NGOs and over one hundred inhabitants. The District Office continues to work, and we plan to popularise the grassroot district management method in other parts of Olsztyn.
Gmina Miasto Olsztyn was our partner, promoting the project among inhabitants. Its representatives took part in meetings devoted to the district (e.g., to explain complexities of the functioning of local authorities) and supported us in running the Office.