URBACT is a European programme established in 2002 that supports cities across Europe in developing practical, integrated solutions to urban challenges. Its origins lie in EU pilot projects from the late 1980s that focused on urban regeneration. The first phase, URBACT I (2002-2006), involved 217 partner cities; URBACT II (2007-2013) expanded to 519 cities, and by 2019, over 1,000 cities had participated.
Unlike grant-making bodies, URBACT does not finance investments or direct pilot projects. Instead, it uses co-financed learning networks, typically involving six to twelve cities, each working on a specific urban issue for up to 30 months. The key output is a local action plan crafted with input from a broad range of stakeholders. URBACT’s “method” emphasizes participatory policy-making and peer exchange, aiming for holistic improvements in city governance that consider environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
Cities have addressed issues such as youth unemployment, the reuse of abandoned sites, urban mobility, and heritage protection. For instance, projects like HerO looked at managing historic districts, while “2nd Chance” focused on reactivating large abandoned buildings in cities like Naples, Liverpool, and Porto. Outcomes include local plans and in some cases, the securing of funding or implementation of actions. URBACT’s impact is seen in its influence on both local city policies and broader EU urban agendas.