Caring Cities: A Project to Empower Local Communities and Improve Citizen Services

The project was born from an adaptive problem that local citizens were asking for better services and expecting more from their local governments. It became clear that the key to meeting these needs was to first empower the local officials themselves. Issues such as stress management, team dynamics, and effective communication were identified as crucial areas to address in order to create a more supportive and efficient work environment.

The Caring Cities Project is a three-phase program designed to equip local officials with the tools they need to reduce stress, collaborate effectively, and ultimately improve the services they provide to their communities. By fostering a healthier and more resilient working environment, the project creates a ripple effect that benefits both the officials and the citizens they serve.

I have had the privilege of leading this project from the beginning, working closely with municipality such as Općina Viškovo and city Nova Gradiška. We are now approaching the final phase of the project, and I am excited to share the journey and outcomes at the EAMBA Conference Festival, where I will discuss how this initiative has helped transform local governance.

This project not only integrates mindfulness and resilience-building, but it also directly addresses the well-being of officials and citizens alike. By improving the internal dynamics within local government teams, we have seen a tangible improvement in the quality of services delivered to citizens. The Caring Cities Project offers a model for other communities seeking to improve both their internal operations and their relationship with citizens.

For more information and to learn about the outcomes of the project, please join us on October 5th, 2025, at the EAMBA Conference Festival.

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