Residents of the Future - Saldus (Latvia): "It's about the harmony of living, work and growth"

Описание: Residents of the Future – Saldus, Latvia: People First in the Face of Urban Shrinkage


In this episode of Residents of the Future, an URBACT podcast series exploring how small cities across Europe respond to urban shrinkage, we travel to Saldus, Latvia — a small town with a strong sense of belonging, creativity, and care for its people.


Host Tiago Ferreira, Lead Expert of the URBACT Residents of the Future network, is joined by Linda Medne, ULG Coordinator in Saldus, who shares a deeply personal and professional perspective on what it means to grow up, return, and raise a family in a shrinking city.


Together, they discuss how demographic decline is felt not only in statistics, but in everyday life — from schools and kindergartens to local services and public space. Linda reflects on why Saldus remains an ideal place for young families, and how this quality of life can become a key asset for the future.


The conversation explores Saldus’ work within the URBACT framework, including testing actions focused on welcoming newcomers and returnees, supporting small-scale entrepreneurship through the reuse of an empty school building, and addressing housing needs in a changing demographic context. The episode also highlights the importance of soft actions, empathy-driven approaches, and learning through city-to-city exchanges.


A thoughtful and inspiring story about putting people at the centre of urban transformation — and imagining a future where small cities can thrive again.






Technical production: Krešimir Grubić, Šibenik (Croatia)