Municipal Traditions in the Government of Emilia-Romagna Region and the Long-period Changes in Urban Policies

Abstract

Community planning and civic engagement have a long and enduring tradition within the Emilia-Romagna region. This is particularly relevant when we examine the many connections between local government policies concerning social issues and the making of urban policies for most of the Post-war period. The paper is intended to describe how this Civic Culture has changed, from its early years to the recent times. The long period development of this political experience shows how a decision-centered approach to urban planning (led by the Communist Party), has recently turned into a more fragmented and uncertain profile, due to the rise of new and influencing actors that have deeply changed the public domain.