Human Capital

There has been much discussion about the communicative aspects of spatial and economic planning. This aspects reflects the changes of local economies and society towards open, globally reaching relationships and increasing concerns for local environments.

The human and social capital of urban inhabitants is an vital potential for revitalization (especially in terms for restructuring an already established urban city).

George Town requires much more public participatory planning then never before due to the newly awarded UNESCO Heritage Site.

With the increasing public participation it had becomes an efficient tool for avoiding social exclusion which is always the main concern when related to restructuring local economies and unemployment.

New innovative methods and processes are required to realize the potential for public participatory urban planning, it is also necessary not to neglect the "Silent group" (Children, youth, elderly people, people of minority ethnic origins.)

Public Participatory planning processes need resources: time, organization effort, communication and clear commitment from all the involved actors.

Public Participatory planning processes provide opportunities for directly influencing decision-making. Traditionally, representative democracy (resident vote for their representative to help protect and assist them)

You choose so that they can choose for You.

and the more direct public participatory democracy, where residents directly communicate with decision makers or planners offer different opportunities. A common practice in smaller municipalities is direct commenting (suitable for smaller urban area that involves lesser amount of actors).

Urban Planners from local authorities discussing planning strategies with public representative.

These different and perhaps new channels of co-operation between a city and its residents
contrast with the current situation, where administration takes place between the city council, representing the older representative democracy, and direct feedback from residents.