Who are the Active Citizens? (original) (raw)
The kvarterloeft initiative, a large-scale attempt to "lift" deprived urban areas through a holistic initiative based on public participation and public-private partnerships, are now drawing to a close. The initiative began in 1997 and comprises projects in 12 areas covering a total population of about 120,000 people. Both this book and the two large conferences in Copenhagen on 10-12 October 2007 will help give the initiative a fitting finale. I am pleased that, with this book and the international conference, we have demonstrated that the experience gained in Denmark is of interest worldwide. However, the book is intended to do more than simply present the results, which can indeed be considered with pride. It is also intended to stimulate discussion on possible improvements. And in that context, we can also benefit from experience gained in other countries. The Danish government finds it vital to stop the continuing trends towards ghettoisation. The development of areas that are physically, socioculturally and economically isolated from the rest of society is unacceptable. There are areas where far too many residents are outside the labour market, where far too many people altogether lack contact with the rest of society, and where the imbalance in social and ethnic composition is far too evident. In such areas there is a risk of parallel societies emerging. The kvarterloeft projects in e.g. Brøndby Strand and Avedøre Stationsby have clearly succeeded in reversing the development in primarily non-profit housing. The areas have successfully been made attractive, also for employed residents. Members of the public have successfully participated in the activities. And many exciting future-oriented integration projects have successfully been completed.
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