From mapping to alliances: practice-informed entry points for stakeholder engagement in EU mission cities

Stakeholder engagement and co-creation are essential components of urban planning and implementation processes. There is growing awareness that engagement throughout the project lifecycle is crucial for successful implementation and ownership. While several methodologies are available, further progress is needed on how to leverage each stage of engagement to build consensus and foster partnerships. Several EU-funded projects demonstrating how sustained engagement can be implemented within the context of the European Green Deal and the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities have been analyzed to understand current practices. As a working resource for city practitioners and other projects, this article provides perspectives, practical tools and case studies from cities, organized into three entry points. We trace the process from stakeholder mapping, including reaching beyond commonly engaged groups, to the formation of alliances for ongoing knowledge exchange. Lastly, the article also explores insights on language and terminology while designing and implementing stakeholder engagement processes. Building upon existing research and collaboration with cities, this practice-based perspective aims to stimulate discussion on emerging trends in engagement within the planning and implementation of broader climate action goals.