This unit will explore the performance of community-based initiatives in urban areas, focusing on their potential to transform neighborhoods and strengthen social networks. We will examine how these initiatives not only aim to improve the built environment but also foster social cohesion and resilience within communities. By engaging with concepts such as social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking social capital), we will analyse how trust among community members contributes to successful collaboration. The unit will also highlight the importance of transformational leadership and boundary-spanning leadership in mobilizing resources and fostering inclusive decision-making processes. Furthermore, we will investigate organizational capacities such as volunteer engagement, revenue generation, and government support that impact the success and duration of these initiatives. Discussions will include strategies for accessing assets from broader socio-political contexts and creating connections with municipalities and other local actors to facilitate intended changes. Finally, we will emphasize the significance of collective actions and social learning in empowering civic actors or community-based initiatives as essential players in addressing social needs and resolving conflicts within their communities.
