Community management of regeneration projects in Potsdam, Germany. Issue 3 (2014) - Rory Shand
Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the governance of regeneration projects, as part of the pan‐German Social City initiative, examine the key actors engaged in delivery of renewal, and set out findings, before mapping the actors and governance models in regeneration in the area. Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws upon the paradigm of governance to illustrate actors in regeneration, about which little has been written thus far. The paper draws upon interviews with these actors in Potsdam and uses the policy networks approach to examine where power, resources and function are allocated among the actors in renewal. Findings – Though the community actor is an important conduit between the private sector and tiers of governance, in Potsdam the funding focus comes from private individuals and business, there is less scope for the community to act as manager of projects in renewal. Originality/value – The role of community managers can be compared to other subnational, national or global regeneration programmes. In examining the strengths and weaknesses of this model, the findings are of value in comparable cases as well as to policy makers and practitioners. The role of communities in working with business and government can be replicated and learnt from in other cases.