Across Europe, we are seeing how centralization and relocation affect rural areas. Also in Norway, many small municipalities find it difficult to attract people with the right skills.
In order to benefit from the entire country in the future, we need strong small towns and attractive local communities. The government will start work on a national strategy for small towns. The aim is to collect instruments and resources that can contribute to the emergence of dynamic and attractive local communities, and thus foster the growth and development of the entire country.
Positive effects for regions
The government's ambition is for people to live and work all over the country. But as in all other countries, Norwegians are also drawn to large cities. We may choose to see urbanization as a threat to the countryside or an opportunity. I believe that attractive and lively small towns with urban characteristics can make a positive difference to regions, says Linda Hofstad Helleland, Minister for Region and Digitization.
Vibrant and attractive local communities include everything from going to a restaurant or bar, going to a library or concert, to pleasant neighborhoods that are attractive to a family in the setting-up phase. Small towns of this size attract the people, companies and knowledge that municipalities need to provide good services in the future. If only one small town can do it, it is a good starting point to make the whole region more attractive.
Sustainable small towns
If we are to achieve the goal of sustainable development for sustainable cities and towns, we must act strategically to strengthen Norwegian small towns. It is about making rural and urban development planning more forward-looking and providing residents with a good housing and public transport offer. The goal must be for young adults to want to settle in these small townsbecause they want to, not because they have to. Hopefully, this strategy will contribute to this and will be a good tool for municipalities, says Nikolai Astrup, Minister for Local Government and Modernization.
The government is now inviting municipalities, businesses and civil society to submit their comments. According to the plan, the strategy will be presented in spring.
