New Ideas from the Stakeholder Meeting in Budapest

Expanding Community Sharing: New Ideas from GOOD CITIES Stakeholder Meeting in Budapest

This was the first stakeholder meeting specifically within the GOOD CITIES project for the Újbuda and Bartók Quarter pilot. While the Bartók Quarter has already hosted various stakeholder meetings in the past—primarily involving local businesses, restaurants, galleries, and associations—this meeting focused on expanding current sharing systems beyond cultural event resources, such as chairs and projectors, to broader community-based needs. 

The event was hosted by KÉK (Contemporary Architecture Centre) and took place at Adaptér  a multifunctional community space designed to support urban sustainability initiatives, workshops, and collaborative projects.

Among the participants were representatives from KözPont Újbudai Kulturális Nonprofit Kft., an organization dedicated to supporting local cultural initiatives, and from the Újbuda Municipality contributing insights on how public institutions can better integrate sharing economy practices into local governance.

Additionally, team members from a local library, Humusz Coalition, a coalition of 14 Hungarian environmental organizations promoting sustainable production and consumption practices, local neighbourhood associations, the Bartók Boulevard Association, Újbuda Social Services, Hadik and Szatyor bars and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) took part. 

The meeting began with a presentation of the GOOD CITIES project, showcasing best practices from European cities. This was followed by a discussion on governance structures that cities can adopt, such as acting as regulators or hosts of sharing initiatives. The conversation then shifted to the current sharing services available in the Bartók Quarter, exploring how the stakeholders and other residents engage with them and what additional services they would like to see. Participants shared ideas for expanding the local sharing opportunities, including:

• Street book-sharing shelves with seating areas

• Community composting initiatives

• Repair workshops to reduce waste

• Shared leisure equipment, such as outdoor games for children and adults

• Skill-sharing networks to connect residents with expertise in various fields

One key issue raised was the lack of awareness among civic organizations about each other’s initiatives. BME representatives highlighted that the university has many underutilized spaces that could be opened for community collaboration. This realization led to the second part of the meeting, which focused on identifying the specific needs of each participating organization and what they could offer one another in the present moment. 

The next meetings will build on these discussions, addressing practical ways to implement these ideas and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders. By fostering new connections and expanding the sharing economy, the GOOD CITIES project aims to create a more sustainable and interconnected urban environment in Újbuda and beyond.

About Bartók Quarter

The Bartók District is located in downtown Újbuda (District XI), bordered by the Danube River and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics on one side and Karinthy Frigyes Street on the other, with Bartók Béla Street at its heart. The district follows the 15-minute city concept, ensuring that all essential services—including shops, cultural institutions, green spaces, and public facilities—are within a short walk for residents. Home to some of Budapest’s most cherished cultural venues, restaurants, and independent businesses, Bartók Quarter continues to evolve as a vibrant, community-focused area where culture and entertainment drive development.