The importance of dialogue and cooperation with the residents for urban development, on the example of the city of Rzeszów

Purpose: The article aims to present possible means of residents’ participation in a city’s development as well as to identify selected areas of such activity, on the example of the city of Rzeszów. Methodology: The article employs critical analysis of the literature on the subject and the case study method. Findings: Interaction between a territorial unit and its residents can, in the Author's opinion, be developed and strengthened with the use of the DART model proposed by Prahalad and V. Ramaswama. Based on its assumptions, four basic elements of the model were adapted in the theoretical for the needs of a territorial unit: Dialogue, Access, Transparancy, Risk Assessment. Empirical verification, based on the example of Rzeszów, allows a conclusion that various forms of a dialogue with residents, transparency and timeliness of the information transfer, and the city's openness to new forms of contact with its residents fit into the assumptions of the DART model. Practical implications: In addition to the traditional forms of utilizing the Rzeszów residents’ potential, such as public consultations or participatory budgeting, Urban Lab, which has been operating in Rzeszów since 2019, is another important instrument enabling residents’ participation in the city's development. Urban Lab is a modern cooperation platform available to everyone who wants to change something and set directions for the city's future development, by sharing ideas, exchanging thoughts and views. Residents can participate in the projects implemented that are addressed to various target groups, listen to experts’ opinions, as well as formulate questions and express their own opinions and suggestions publicly. Originality: Various modes in which Urban Lab can be applied as a form of residents’ involvement in a city's development have been presented, which, based on the example of Gdynia and Rzeszów, should be an incentive for other cities to launch this type of initiatives enabling the use of local community’s potential.