Title: Regions for Economic Change Conference Date: 20/05/2010 Openness and the Competitive Advantage of Diversity OPENCities is a British Council project funded by URBACT led by Belfast City Council in collaboration with a network of European cities.

Communications I 18 February, 2014 I Page 2 URBACT Frances Dowds OPENCities Project Manager – Lead Partner Belfast City Council The LAP Process Opportunities Challenges Engagement The story so far

Communications I 18 February, 2014 I Page 3 Opportunities & Challenges Existing URBACT guide adapted to project by Lead Expert – common framework process Learning exchange - between more and less experienced diverse cities LSG budgets to support development of plan & process at city level URBACT Expert - to act as resource & support for individual cities Local Action Plan - response to local needs & local context Local context - differences in approach, ways of working (LAP V funded Project approach) Earlier planning required including agreed timescale & getting down to it Local challenges re MA engagement – lack of programme funding opportunities, fear around expectations of partners Getting buy in from other stakeholders – some cities do not work with NGOs Ensuring migrant voice included at all levels of project – from thematic events, to LSG & public consultations on LAP

Communications I 18 February, 2014 I Page 4 Engagement The story so far Thematic papers – to support knowledge LSGs - involve migrant workers & their agencies – Belfast et al.. LSGs - involve MAs (mostly) & key experts on migration – Bilbao, Vienna, Dusseldorf, British Council et al.. Public consultations - once LAP draft produced September – October 2010 To amend & ensure the LAP reflect needs of migrant workers Two thematic meetings - held to date, 3 rd June, 4 th LAP focused Sept 2010 Belfast - tendered for an external consultant - employed to facilitate process amongst LSG & migrant community representatives Working groups - established under projects themes Intro, problems, goals agreed to date – agreeing activities work (what & by who) ongoing plus Timing – when will things happen Funding – who will pay for what Indicators – to prove success

Communications I 18 February, 2014 I Page 5 Open Cities Managing Authorities: Challenges Differing levels of engagement with local city partners and other MAs. Representatives with differing roles/ perspectives Differing levels of fit with regional EU programmes and Open Cities themes. Managing Expectations of both MAs and their cities. Actions Terms of Reference – commitment to engagement. Dissemination to other appropriate regional organizations/ funders with policy responsibilities. Questionnaire – identify issues for clarification. Stocktake of relevant activities already receiving EU programme funds.

Communications I 18 February, 2014 I Page 6 Next Steps Key advisory role for MAs in formation and implementation of LAP. Recognise different potential and opportunities for different elements of the project. Example - Belfast: ERDF Competitiveness Programme – Enterprise and Enterpreneurship ESF Employment Programme – Help into Sustainable Employment/ Improving Workforce Skills PEACE III – Reconciling communities/ Contributing to a Shared Society Flexible work plan to react to proposals as they emerge from the cities.

Communications I 18 February, 2014 I Page 7