1. NeT-TOPIC New tools and approaches for managing Urban Transformation Processes in Intermediate Cities. GUIDELINES ON LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS June 2008 GUIDELINES ON LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS June 2008

2. 2 Local Support Groups under URBACT II = increasing the impact of the programme. The thematic network is required to set up the core of the local support group within the development phase. The LSG is not to be seen simply as an administrative requirement. Creating the LSG is the responsibility of each city partner. The main aim of the Urbact LSG is to spread the learning from trans-national exchanges to a broader cross-section of local stakeholders and to ensure that the lessons learnt lead to change at a local level.

3. 3 Local Support Groups LSG will gather the local key partners stakeholders concerned by the thematic exchanges implemented within the network and by the cities local action plan to be developed. The composition will depend on the theme and on the type of project and partner. The LSG shall follow the project activities, receiving reports from the city representatives and by supporting the latter in contributing to the projects activities. The local partner or city representative should be in position to identify key local stakeholders and propose a set of issues in a way that might interest them.

4. 4 Local Support Groups can fulfill a number of specific objectives from the very start Help to clarify the particular needs or concerns of the city in relation to the issues of the network. Help to identify what the city really has to offer to the project Help to build the baseline study during the development phase and the Local Action Plan to be produced during the implementation phase Help to disseminate the findings of the project to a wider local audience. Help to mobilize the political and institutional support.

5. 5 When to involve the LSG and in what capacity Development phase: -The identification of city-specific needs in the issues dealt by the network. - Experience in the themes -Input and contributions to the baseline study -Input and advice into the work-programme developed by the project

6. 6 When to involve the LSG and in what capacity Implementation phase: - Taking part in the design and follow up the Local Action Plan -Identifying and validating inputs like case studies -Taking part in exchanges -Periodic meetings -Commenting on final outpus -Testing or piloting certain recommendations -Organising local dissemination events -Obtaining media coverage

7. 7 Local Support Groups LSG will be initiated during the Development phase of the project. A minimum budget allocation dedicated to LSG will be 70.000 for each thematic network