Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality demonstrates an innovative approach to urban development through a targeted civic initiatives program. The "Be Active" initiative provides financial and organizational support to local communities for implementing infrastructure and social projects.
A specialized municipal commission, led by Deputy Mayor Daniel Bozhanov and Chief Architect Stefan Georgiev, conducted a thorough review of the first 18 funded projects. Experts documented specific improvements implemented by active citizens in various neighborhoods and settlements.
In Gorna Oryahovitsa, residents of one apartment block transformed the inter-block space, turning it into a modern and functional zone. They concreted an area for children's activities, repaired the entrance door, painted the fence, and created cozy corners with benches, a table, and decorative vegetation.
Sports infrastructure also received significant attention. At the "Polet" tennis court, volunteers renovated the playing field, installed a new net, and placed protective equipment. Such civic initiatives demonstrate the potential for collective improvement of the urban environment.
In the villages of Polikraishte, Krusheto, and Varbitsa, various projects were implemented. Central parks were enriched with new children's facilities, sports tables, benches, and decorative vegetation. Local residents demonstrated care for public spaces through tree planting and aestheticization of public zones.
The program's financial resource was increased from 30,000 BGN in 2024 to 60,000 BGN in the current period. Maximum funding for infrastructure projects rose from 1,000 to 3,000 BGN, creating more opportunities for large-scale civic initiatives.
During the third round of project proposals, 22 out of 26 submitted initiatives were approved, demonstrating growing interest and engagement of the local community. The initial stage of the program included eight projects, and now their number has significantly increased.
Gorna Oryahovitsa's municipal leadership emphasizes that such projects are not just cosmetic improvements, but strategic tools for long-term social development. By encouraging civic activity and creativity, sustainable improvement of interpersonal relationships and quality of life is achieved.
The "Be Active" program continues to accept diverse proposals - from space improvement to organizing cultural and sports events, with the aim of stimulating a bottom-up social transformation.