Urban Doers: Local initiatives are driving transformations in cities

Many so-called bottom-up initiatives are based on community groups, volunteers who take the lead and invest their time in improving their neighbourhoods. Through their commitment, local initiatives can make a real difference on the ground. But how do these initiatives contribute to driving sustainable urban transitions? And how can the EU and other institutions support their work? 

In 2023, these questions led the European partnership Driving Urban Transitions to launch a pilot call for ‘Urban Doers’, local initiatives with high transformative potential. As a result, 20 initiatives were selected to become part of the Urban Doers community. 

The MKM Maribor Cycling Network and Telheiras Renewable Energy Community are among the 20 initiatives gathering at a closing event next month, in Lisbon, to showcase their latest achievements on sustainable mobility, energy solutions and circularity in cities.

Proactive advocacy for sustainable mobility

With the goal of improving living conditions in a city, people can unite and advocate for specific changes. An inspiring example of how collective action can protect cyclists' rights and influence local authorities is the MKM Maribor Cycling Network. 

This network has been instrumental in advocating for the improvement of cycling infrastructure by engaging with policy makers and doing campaigning to reach the local community. The List of Cyclists and Pedestrians party together with community involvement programs, such as the Bajk Kuhna (Bike Kitchen) workshops and repair sessions, has facilitated and empowered citizens to embrace cycling as a practical mode of transport in Maribor. 

Energy Communities facilitate access to renewable energy

The Telheiras Renewable Energy Community in Lumiar, Portugal, focuses on tackling energy poverty and promoting the adoption of renewable energy in the local community.

Citizens and organizations feel the burden of rising energy bills, yet adaptation measures to climate change are not within reach for everyone. By implementing inclusive financial models and collaborative investment schemes, the initiative enabled residents to collectively invest in solar photovoltaic systems. In addition, energy-poor households did not need to make the initial investment in the solar photovoltaic system and pay a reduced annual fee. This approach not only reduced energy bills for participants but also facilitated vulnerable and energy-poor families to access renewable and affordable energy. 

Untapping the transformative potential of local initiatives 

Through their innovative full-chain approach and partnership with local authorities, the Telheiras Renewable Energy Community was highlighted as an example of community empowerment to reduce energy poverty. Similarly, the efforts of the MKM Maribor Cycling Network have led to the creation of safer cycling infrastructure, increased bike usage, and a shift towards a more sustainable and accessible urban mobility system in Slovenia.

It is clear from these examples that local initiatives can have a significant impact on cities, for example in terms of increasing bicycle users and reducing fuel poverty. As the pilot Urban Doers Community comes to an end, it remains to be seen how the EU and local authorities can support initiatives like these to continue their valuable work across Europe.