Take part in shaping the future

Main issues
1. The meaning of sustainable development in an urban planning context
2. Introducing participatory democracy in the eastern Baltic region
3. Urban planning and participatory democracy

Site description
Jelgava is located in the Zemgale plain 42 km from Riga, the capital of Latvia. It has played an important and active role as economical, educational, cultural and political center at all times. Jelgava has 71000 inhabitants and an area of 60 sq. km surrounded by five rivers and forests. The town was partly destroyed during World War II and in post war years the Soviet authorities erected a new Soviet structure of streets and housing areas over the historical center of the town.
In the development of market economy after 1991 Jelgava have the same difficulties as other Latvian town, about 20 % of workers are looking for new job. The most complicated situation is in factory RAF (minibus factory), which was built only in 1970 together with new housing district beside. But now some stabilisation is reached and since spring 1997 a correction of towns' master plan is in the work.

Model description
The main principle of the new territorial planning system in Eastern Baltic Region is democracy and participation. The first stage is a correction of existing town plans. In a new political system with independent Latvia the procedure is pursued with public participation in presentations of the plans, in public discussion, using social questionnaires and discussions in the media, especially local newspapers. Regrettably so far these discussions have been carried out mostly between specialists and few others take active part in the planning process.
Since spring 1997 a new master plan for the city is being worked out. The key questions, underlined in the first version of the plan referring to sustainable development, are 1) organisation of transport structure in the town, 2) to emphasize the significance of town center, 3) economic stabilization and 4) the increasing role of Jelgava as center of economy, education and culture not only in Zemgale region but also in the country as a whole.

Latvian Agricultural Academy, Faculty of rural engineering
Mara Urtane, PhD
Akademijas Str 19, LV-3001 Jelgava Latvia
Tel +371-30-28 791 Fax +371-30-22180
E-mail: m.urtane@latnet.lv