Regenerierung von Innenstädten unter Schrumpfungsbedingungen. Evaluation eines Städtewettbewerbs und Analyse dessen Rolle für Klein- und Mittelstädte in Sachsen

Abstract

Abstract. Many East German cities face long-term shrinking\nprocesses, which contribute to declining city centers. This is particularly\nnoticeable in small and medium-sized cities with low human and financial\nresources. A funding program that helps to regenerate inner cities is the\nregional city competition „Ab in die Mitte! Die City-Offensive Sachsen“\n(AMS) in Saxony, organized as a public-private partnership. This study aims\nto (1) research AMS concerning its factors of success and obstacles, (2)\nanalyze its role for small and medium-sized cities and, (3) give\nrecommendations to improve AMS. The low-threshold of participation mainly\nencourages small and medium-sized cities to take part. AMS strengthens\nexchange and knowledge transfer and promotes endogenous planning strategies.\nThe city competition offers low funding possibilities; therefore, it can\nonly serve as an incentive system. AMS should improve transparency within\nthe evaluation process and, realign its concept to future urban development\nstrategies.