Suchergebnisse

The aim of this paper is to describe and analyze the process of revitalization of markets and shopping streets of Polish cities after 1999 in order to answer the question on how revitalization affected the socio-economic development of Polish cities. Transformation of consumption space is analyzed on the example of two cities: Białystok and Kielce. As a result of revitalization, residents began to spend their free time in the modernized space. However, in the short term, the construction works lasting several years that reduced traffic in the city centers impacted negatively on businesses, often contributing to their collapse or significant deterioration of profitability. Transformation of urban consumption space have increased interest of city dwellers in local decision making process, and thus influenced the growth in social commitment and desire to participate in governing.

The importance of particular types of infrastructure of consumption space in each of the analyzed municipalities is different, due to the historical conditions and policies and actions of municipal authorities, investors, and increasingly active residents. Until the advent of modern shopping malls into town centers, markets and shopping streets were very important for consumption in towns. The presence of modern shopping malls contributes to the weakening of the commercial and social significance of the other two types of urban infrastructure of consumption space. In order to prevent those negative trends local authorities invest in revital‑ ization, changing traffic patterns and public festivities.

The aim of the article is to present the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the process of migrant integration in Poland. To achieve this goal, a case study of Łomża and actions taken by a local NGO towards migrants are analyzed. The article was written on the basis of desk research and field research, in which the technique of individual in-depth interviews conducted with the representatives of local authorities and non-governmental organizations was used. The analysis of the NGOs' activities towards the migrants in Łomża showed that these are typical activities taken by NGOs. However, the fact that these actions have taken place in a medium-sized city make it unique, different from the activities taking place in other large cities.