Role and meaning of NGO's in public services design - case study City Hall Katowice - "Fix your own city" Foundation

The aim of this article is to determine the effect of the activities of NGOs in shaping and designing of public services. It is important to recognize the relationship and benefits that produce cooperation on line: City Hall... [ view full abstract ]

The aim of this article is to determine the effect of the activities of NGOs in shaping and designing of public services. It is important to recognize the relationship and benefits that produce cooperation on line: City Hall - non-governmental organization. In addition, it is important to determine how public services are designed with the participation and support of NGOs. On the other hand, the question what are the dangers of the full cooperation of both sides of this relationship, taking into consideration an aspect of independence and transparency of NGOs.

I decided to present a case study. It is important for me to determine the mutual relationship between the City Hall of Katowice (Silesia, southern Poland) and non-governmental organization "Fix your own city".

Katowice, the capital city of Upper Silesia for many years was identified with heavy industry. The end of twentieth century and the beginning of twenty-first century was the time when heavy industries started to decline. Katowice became unattractive post-industrial city. Strong need for changes was getting serious. An important role in this process was played by non-governmental organizations. The mission of the Foundation "Fix your own city" is to promote and build tools to interact, co-design and co-urbanize different places in Katowice. Members of this organization formed several teams. Each of them is responsible for different activities. Main object of it’s activity is to improve the daily life of region's inhabitants.

It was decided to conduct interviews with representatives of foundations and representatives of the city council from different departments. In addition, it was important to define the range of Foundation's activities and it’s potential impact on the shape and design of public services.