This model framework is designed as a flexible tool to help and bring about positive change. It can be adapted in its content to particular needs, providing a guidance to establish individual town strategic planning.
Pyrgos chose to adopt and develop the 5 themes led by other SusSET towns (see below 1-5) and it also chose to add 5 of its own (see below 6-10).
1.PARTNERSHIP and TOWN MANAGEMENT
(Developed by Strömstad)
2. ENGAGEMENT, DIALOGUE, YOUTH
(Developed by Ellon)
3. PLANNING, CONSERVATION, HERITAGE
(Developed by Puck)
4. TOURISM, MARKETING & PROMOTION, IDENTITY
(Developed by Åmål)
5. LONG TERM PLANNING
(Developed by Stonehaven)
6. PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, LAND USE and ENVIRONMENT
Here there are investments in physical or hard infrastructure projects, aiming to improve a built environment that has become obsolete or insufficient.
Projects of this kind aim to improve economic efficiency (ex. transport) and/or quality of life (water, waste, but also upgrading of areas, green spaces, housing etc.). Some of them may not strictly fall into municipal competences; they can nevertheless be promoted in appropriate ways. Social and economic spin-offs may be relevant.
7. EDUCATION
Education, including lifelong learning and training actions is one of the major assets to sustain development. A well-educated and trained population contributes to the development and retention of a quality workforce as well as to the growth of new business and industry.
Increasing local education and training opportunities in order to become a ‘learning destination’ can have relevant social and economic repercussions.
8. HEALTHCARE , SOCIAL SERVICES, SECURITY
Of paramount importance to citizens and quality of life, this item deserves great attention within the context of possible limited municipal resources.
9. JOB CREATION AND PRESERVATION / ECONOMIC RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Supporting SMEs and manufacturers, promoting local products and services, mobilising all productive groups can contribute to the creation of new places of employment, to decrease unemployment and promote the inclusion of socially sensitive groups.
Actions to extend funding opportunities should not be neglected.
10. LINKS WITH EUROPE
The aim is to address a real need: promoting a deeper understanding / appreciation of the significance, role and possibilities of the European Union, in order to enhance a sometimes still lacking European vision at town level, as well as the necessary links, in the spirit of subsidiarity and of the bottom up approach.
