The first-ever Citizen Assembly in Szeged unfolded on January 12-13, 2024, at the Szegedi Szent-Györgyi Agóra Informatórium, a collaborative effort between the Szeged Municipality (Szeged MJV) and Enrawell Consulting Ltd., as part of the PHOENIX project.

The Assembly focused on transportation, waste management, and urban heat islands through green spaces, all under the overarching theme of public awareness. Over 50 participants engaged in deliberative, negotiation-based methods, addressing key issues, ranking priorities, and proposing solutions in three rounds of discussion. The Assembly’s innovative approaches included a “Future Scenarios Tool” for transportation, a card game and “Ecosystem Toolkit” for urban green spaces, and problem-solving initiatives for waste management.

In the transportation domain, participants envisioned a greener Szeged by proposing a third bridge, traffic restrictions, and car-free zones, enhancing the city’s future outlook.

Urban green spaces development utilised a card game for conceptual planning, resulting in innovative proposals for main squares and thoroughfares, emphasising community involvement and environmental sustainability. Waste management discussions highlighted local cleanliness and organisation, with creative campaigns addressing burning waste and artistic approaches to recycling culture.

Looking ahead, the project coordinator mentioned ongoing monitoring by Deputy Mayor Sándor Nagy, with continuous updates expected during the spring. The assembly’s results will depend on the city’s openness, but communication channels remain active for potential program implementation.

The inclusive selection method involved 1040 households in the first round and expanded to university citizens and active residents in the second round, utilising the power of social media. The Assembly marks the inaugural step, with participants encouraged to join the ongoing efforts of the Territorial Planning Platform Szeged (TCCD) and contribute to future sessions.

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