Neighborhood Pact: mutual obligations for the city and citizens

There is a strong political will and commitment to addressing issues for both indigenous and migrant communities. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor see Reggio Emilia as a town under constant transformation and believe in turning perceived problems into opportunities. There is strong reliance and belief in the history and traditions of the town and its capacity to address current challenges. There is also a strong emphasis on protection and development of the civic values of the town and this has been made explicit with a public declaration of values and the development of a ‘pact’ with the townspeople available in 12 languages. Reggio Emilia has introduced an observer city councillor elected by the foreign nationals residing in the city. The city has also signed a “neighbourhood pact” in one of the poorer multicultural neighbourhoods outlining mutual obligations for the city (provision of services) and citizens (management of conflict, organisation of events and activities).