IcARUS Policy brief: Fostering Community Involvement in Safe Public Spaces

Safeguarding urban public spaces and managing them in ways that promote safety, inclusivity and accessibility remains one of the top priorities of local and regional authorities, and a key mandate from the public. Urban public spaces are central to the attractiveness and quality of life of cities. They are vital to urban life and wellbeing: places for communication, gatherings, political demonstrations, artistic and cultural performances and all sorts of entertainment.1 They are places where people come together and interact with other people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Yet the quality and sustainability of public spaces face a range of threats, and ensuring that they remain safe, inclusive and open to all is a complex challenge.2 As the level of governance closest to citizens, local and regional authorities are best placed to understand their concerns in relation to safe and open public spaces and implement appropriate measures to reduce feelings of insecurity.