URBAN GROWTH: LEGAL, ECONOMIC, AND STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS. CRACOW AS AN EXAMPLE OF CHALLENGES FACING CENTRAL EUROPEAN CITIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58246/sj-economics.v58i3.686Keywords:
urban growth, governance, housing, planning, policyAbstract
Over last decade, Cracow has seen significant expansion, with approximately 100,000 new apartments built. However, much of this development occurred without a clear urban planning strategy, leading to disorder and allowing investors to build freely without clear boundaries. This period of haphazard development coincided with a sharp increase in the city’s population and a rapidly growing economy, driven by foreign direct investments. In response to these challenges, the city has made significant progress in creating a more structured urban environment, with 80% of Cracow now covered by urban planning maps. The city’s key priority was to implement a comprehensive strategy that clearly defines where and what can be built, removing the previous chaos and ensuring better-coordinated development. While the protection and expansion of green spaces is a priority, the focus is on establishing clear guidelines for future growth. The paper also examines efforts to reduce car dependency by improving public transport systems. The paper concludes by emphasizing Cracow’s shift from disorganized growth to a more structured and sustainable approach, with zoning plans ensuring that future development aligns with the city’s long-term urban vision.
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