How can we effectively involve young people in the planning and design of public spaces?

Representatives of the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Baltic Euroregion and local governments from Elbląg, Gdynia, and Dzierzgoń participated in the international meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Streets for the Youth” in Braga and Vila Verde, Portugal, on June 15–18, 2026. The main goal of the event was to exchange experiences regarding the involvement of young people in the planning of public spaces and to develop tools that support the participation of young residents.

The meeting was attended by project partners from France, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland. The program included presentations of local initiatives, workshops with young people, study visits, and discussions with experts in urban planning, architecture, and urban development.

On the first day, the partners presented examples of projects in which young people participated in the process of shaping public spaces. Particular attention was paid to methods for studying how spaces are used following renovations, as well as to experiences related to the creation and use of the YET app. This tool supports dialogue between young people and local authorities and enables the collection of feedback on public spaces.

Over the following days, participants met with young people involved in local projects in Vila Verde and with experts in urban planning. An important part of the program was a research walk through the city, combined with the use of the YET app to analyze public spaces and identify urban planning challenges.

During the case study session, the partners from Poland presented three initiatives:

• the redevelopment of a square in Planty Park in Elbląg,
• the revitalization of urban spaces at Plac Konstytucji in Gdynia,
• project to transform a school parking lot into a skatepark in Dzierzgoń.

The presentations served as a starting point for a discussion on effectively documenting and disseminating best practices related to youth participation. The partners analyzed what information is most useful for local governments, civic organizations, and professionals planning similar initiatives in their communities.

The “Streets for the Youth” project is being implemented as part of the Erasmus+ program and focuses on strengthening young people’s participation in decision-making processes regarding public spaces. International cooperation allows partners to exchange experiences, test new solutions, and develop methods that support young people’s active participation in shaping the cities and towns where they live.