The discussion held on December 7 in the BOK–MCC hall was heated at times. It revealed a number of problems facing the local community, but also showed how strong the demand is for dialogue and the introduction of new solutions that take all social groups into account.
Equality Council and openness to diversity
One of the most frequently raised demands was the need to establish an Equality Council to address the concerns of minorities, including the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, and immigrants. Speakers repeatedly emphasized the City Hall’s lack of openness to the problems faced by these groups. They cited situations in which LGBT+ people encountered aggressive reactions from the city authorities, while organizations that tried to introduce educational content into schools faced administrative obstacles. Participants in the consultations stressed that a city that prides itself on European standards should actively support inclusivity and educate residents so that they do not fear “difference.” Suggestions also included introducing equality workshops and training for teachers, educators, and public institution employees so they could respond more effectively to the needs of children and young people—both LGBTQ+ students and pupils on the autism spectrum or from other countries.
Homelessness and safety in public spaces
An important issue raised during the discussions was the growing number of homeless people, especially those from outside the county who come to Bolesławiec. Residents stressed that concrete measures are needed—from ensuring safer and more dignified conditions in shelters for homeless people to solutions preventing alcohol consumption and vandalism in the city center. Many participants reported problems with specific squares and alleyways where groups gathering there disturb the peace. They therefore proposed genuine social support, monitoring, and infrastructure measures, such as removing dense hedges that provide “shelter” for illegal activities.
Public education on immigration
The lack of a broader information policy concerning the presence of immigrants, foreign workers, and American soldiers was also emphasized. According to residents, inadequate communication is fueling fear and distrust toward people of a different nationality or skin color. One proposal is to introduce educational programs and information materials explaining where new residents come from, why they work here, and how their presence positively affects the local economy. An open, multicultural society needs understanding and support from local government—this conclusion recurred repeatedly during the discussion.
Improving safety: lighting and police patrols
Participants drew attention to poor lighting in some parts of the city, especially during the autumn and winter months, when darkness falls early. Misaligned or malfunctioning streetlights make residents feel unsafe, and unwanted incidents occur in poorly lit areas. Many demands also concerned increasing the number of police patrols. The discussion highlighted police vacancies and the need to intensify recruitment efforts and improve working standards for uniformed officers. Better street lighting, more efficient monitoring, and a stronger presence of the services are intended to improve residents’ sense of safety.
Infrastructure: a dome over the wastewater treatment plant and easing congestion
Another important issue was infrastructure. Speakers pointed to the need to build a dome over the wastewater treatment plant so that unpleasant odors, especially in summer, would not make everyday life difficult. At the same time, they emphasized the high quality of the work carried out by Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Wodociągów i Kanalizacji and praised the company’s efforts, which may facilitate the introduction of further improvements.
Nearly all participants drew attention to the worsening problem of traffic jams. The causes include both the high number of accidents on access routes and excessive development in the city center, as well as the lack of a strategic plan covering traffic management. Discussion participants proposed introducing solutions supporting alternative forms of transport—free public transport is already an advantage—car-sharing promotion programs, and a more considered urban policy. The city’s development plan should allow for housing estates to be built on the outskirts instead of developing every available space in the center. Participants in the consultations also raised the need for greater transparency in development projects to avoid pathological “patodevelopment.”
Free swimming lessons for the youngest children
Another demand was the reinstatement of free swimming lessons for children in grades 1–3 of primary school. The classes, previously organized under specific programs financed from external funds, disappeared when those programs ended. Parents repeatedly stressed that the initiative had provided significant educational and health benefits for the youngest children and that its absence is now being felt.
Transparent finances and an open contracts register
One of the demands raised during the consultations was the creation of an open register of contracts concluded by the city, accessible to residents, as in other cities. The lack of transparent information about who receives orders or commissions and on what terms caused concern and raised questions about the authorities’ fairness and impartiality.
Introducing such a register would not only improve public oversight but, above all, increase trust between residents and the authorities. By making information about the entities with which the city cooperates public, citizens would be able to assess its investment and economic policies consciously. Openness in this area would become a symbol of transparency in the management of public funds.
Summary: dialogue and long-term action
The consultations showed that Bolesławiec needs a comprehensive social and infrastructure policy. Residents are calling for the establishment of an Equality Council and greater openness toward minorities; concrete action for homeless people; transparent finances and an open contracts register; reliable education about immigration; improved safety in the city through better lighting and police patrols; and the construction of a dome over the wastewater treatment plant. No less important is easing congestion through better traffic management and thoughtful spatial planning. The demand to reintroduce free swimming lessons for the youngest children is an additional element in building a family-friendly city.
All these issues come down to one thing: a new, partnership-based approach by the authorities toward residents is needed—open communication, transparency in decision-making, and the courage to implement changes that will make Bolesławiec a truly friendly, diverse, and well-organized place.