The Coalition of Krakow Movements has been formed!

Wiktor Bochenek

15 of June '23

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Martin Luther began the Reformation by nailing down 95 theses in Wittenberg. More than five centuries later, Kraków's urban movements are proclaiming 21 theses for Kraków in a similarly spectacular manner. What do the Cracovians fighting for change in their city propose?

On June 15 this year, a conference of Kraków activists was held in Kraków's Zabłocie district in a unique formula—for the first time a dozen institutions announced the formation of the Coalition of Kraków Movements "Together for the City." There are institutions promoting the preservation of greenery, the development of public transportation, activities for local communities or the promotion of culture.

We started our joint activities seeing the need to integrate communities working for the city, urban movements, local leaders, independent experts. The need for such joint action to ensure greater influence of residents and their organizations, as well as the scientific community and independent experts, on the management of the city and the shape of investments," says Pawel Halat, one of the initiators of the coalition.

What is their goal? To change Kraków and create the conditions for a discussion in which the residents' voice will be even more audible. The coalition began by announcing 21 theses that should become priorities in the creation of urban policy. The project was created by institutions located throughout the city—from Olszanica to Nowa Huta. The theses address transportation, energy, greenery, self-governance, public spaces, institutional reforms and dialogue standards. What do activists and community activists propose?

We have developed 21 theses, which are a record of our „city-view"—a common point of view on Kraków, a change in priorities we consider necessary to improve the functioning of the city, a better life for residents. They concern most areas of the city's functioning—from greenery management and responses to climate change, urban planning, transportation, through social issues and the economy to urban democracy and more modern city management,” adds Hałat.

presentation of 21 theses

We publish the 21 theses announced by the Coalition of Kraków Movements

Kraków more resistant to climate catastrophe

Deconstructing the city, introducing as much greenery as possible, including on the roofs and walls of buildings as a way to increase retention and prevent excessive heating of the city. Protecting floodplains and wetlands from development.
Changing priorities in greenery management

Instead of over-scaled "revitalizations," self-maintaining green spaces, actively protecting wildlife, biodiversity and river valleys, and increasing the budget for creating a land bank for Kraków—taking over areas of natural value by the city and creating land reserves for forests, parks and other public purposes.
Greenery a strategic asset

Introducing the valuation of ecosystem services into the management of the city, based on an updated map of the actual vegetation of Kraków, and the active role of administrative bodies, the municipal police and the police in enforcing the existing nature protection law.
Striving for energy self-sufficiency in Kraków

Creating municipal energy generation and storage facilities, reducing the energy intensity of buildings, and supporting private entities in the energy transition.
Proper hierarchy of transportation investments

Rejection of the car-based mobility model. Real priority for building fast, reliable public transportation (streetcars, premetro and agglomeration rail) and bicycles connecting neighborhoods.
Functional urban, bicycle and pedestrian transportation

Construction of tracks to large settlements, launching bus lines to transport white spots, increasing the frequency of buses, improving bus punctuality by creating bus lanes. Expanding bicycle infrastructure and improving the quality, consistency of pedestrian infrastructure.
New settlements instead of a "New City"

New settlements created according to integrated plans as complexes of multifunctional development in conjunction with the development of social infrastructure and public transport. Wise replenishment of the urban fabric—introduction of urban planning standards and maps of permissible development intensity. Increasing the availability of basic social services such as nurseries, kindergartens, schools, libraries, community centers, parks and playgrounds.
Spatial planning in line with population growth

Updating development plans preceded by verification of demand for different types of development. Increase the share of green areas and multifamily housing, at the expense of office monoculture, large-scale commercial development and single-family housing. Priority for the transformation of already urbanized areas, including areas of large-format retail and brownfields.
Inclusive public space

Accessible and adapted to the needs of pedestrians and people with special needs. Rather than scaled routes subordinated to increasing automobile traffic. Designing urban streets with social functions and as much usable green space as possible.

four topics on which the theses were based

© Coalition of Kraków Movements
Active role of the city in housing policy

Increasing the number of affordable housing units through the construction of municipal housing for medium and long-term rent, more efficient use of the existing stock instead of selling it off, and support for social forms of meeting housing needs, for example: Social Housing Initiative, Social Rental Agency and cooperatives and housing cooperatives.
Public education to meet the challenges of the future

Implementing alternative teaching models that emphasize collaboration, creativity, shared responsibility, and climate and equity education programs. Supporting the transparency and democratization of school communities and strengthening the role of educational institutions as community centers. Investing in the development of teaching staff, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and high-quality school infrastructure.
Integrated action for public health

Reducing harmful environmental factors (pollution, noise) and strengthening well-being factors such as access to green spaces. Implementation of preventive and educational programs. Developing a network of curative, rehabilitative, community and respite care services. Placing more importance on mental health issues.
Culture: local, accessible and diverse

Maintaining a balance between culture based on international events and everyday, local, including neighborhood culture. Cultural offer based on the local potential of artists, animators and curators, creating stable financial and organizational conditions for the development of institutions and independent cultural scenes. Strengthening the multifunctionality of

of locally embedded institutions—libraries, community centers and development of cultural infrastructure in areas with poorer accessibility to it. Development of cultural education taking into account the individual needs of different age groups.
Kraków Economy of the Future

Supporting the city for forward-looking sectors of the economy based on knowledge and the potential of skilled workers, including public services, business, creative, technological activities and culture. Fostering the transformation of industry toward zero-carbon and closed-loop. Revision of the approach to the tourism industry to reduce its negative impact on the urban community.
Industrial regeneration of Nowa Huta

Utilizing the vast combine site to build modern, low-carbon industry and energy, in conjunction with the social and natural revitalization of Nowa Huta neighborhoods and the preservation of post-industrial heritage.
Kraków is not just the center:

Recognizing the diverse problems and challenges of neighborhoods and neighborhoods: renewing space, social and cultural infrastructure, increasing the functionality and energy efficiency of buildings. Strengthening local identities, grassroots initiatives, and creating meeting places for residents. Protecting heritage sites important to neighborhood and settlement communities and using them for public purposes.
True urban democracy

Greater influence of residents and their organizations on city management and the shape of investments. Treating participation as a mutual learning process for all participants. Changing the office's communications from propaganda of success to reliable and transparent information about activities and decisions.
An inclusive community

Open to all residents regardless of gender, origin, religion, health status, age and sexual orientation. Adapting procedures and processes to the needs of specific groups, creating appropriate programs and striving to integrate different social groups with an emphasis on bridging language barriers. Collaborate with specialized entities and organizations.
Modern (co)management:

Based on reliable data and taking into account the opinions of academics, experts and the public side. Coordinated activities of city units and departments. Opening up city data resources. Transparent hiring policies based on competence, not deals and party appointments.
Local government an exemplary employer

Implementation of public tasks based not only on the hiring of civil servants, but also employees with various qualifications including teachers, assistants to people with disabilities, cultural people, motorists, among others. White-collar and blue-collar workers. All of them should be paid a decent wage and have the best possible working conditions.
Not all problems will be solved alone

Active cooperation of the city within the metropolitan area and the region, especially in the areas of air quality, urban planning, public transportation, traffic reduction, education, access to services and culture.