APRIL 20259 ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS REVIEWBy adopting an integrated approach, some of these projects have been aligned with urban planning and overall urban regeneration processes.Overseeing City Operations and Managing the City's BudgetThe administrative and technical organization of the Municipality of Milan is quite complex. From my perspective, I have a broad understanding of this structure, as urban regeneration involves many components. My specific unit, one of the largest in the municipality, plays a crucial role in generating economic resources from various building fees.These financial resources fund a significant portion of the public works program. Additionally, they are used directly by private developers to undertake public works related to specific urban private projects.Balancing the City's Historical PreservationThe relationship between conservation, regeneration, and transformation is perhaps the most crucial factor for the future of cities. This issue extends beyond urban morphologies and design; it represents the connection between the past, present, and future within a critical context shaped by social and environmental challenges.When discussing historical preservation, it is essential to recognize that the historical urban fabric--beyond just monuments and heritage sites--plays a significant role in preserving our identity. At the same time, we must enhance the quality of these structures to meet contemporary environmental standards.In our overall urban plan, we aim to achieve this challenging balance by implementing both incentives and mandatory regulations.Designing Green Spaces that Meet Environmental StandardsWe are currently developing the new urban general plan, the third since 2012. This challenging project aims to match three main needs: tackling environmental issues related to urban microclimates, creating a new model of urban growth to reduce urban inequalities, and enhancing local relationships within a proximity city framework.Our strategies, objectives, measures, and tools are all focused on achieving this goal. A key innovative tool in this plan will be the "Neighborhoods Atlas," which operates at an intermediate urban scale, bridging metropolitan dimensions, global urban perspectives, and local contexts.The "Neighborhoods Atlas" will emphasize a new vision of a polycentric urban structure, the design of public spaces, and green connections--all integral to the regeneration process and a revamped set of urban and building regulations.Fostering Community Engagement In Italy, several phases of the urban planning process involve citizen engagement, as outlined by urbanistic laws.Firstly, during the preparation of the urban general plan, the Strategic Environmental Assessment facilitates the involvement of citizens as well as various stakeholders, including environmental and social organizations. After the plan is adopted, responses to citizen contributions are reviewed and approved directly by the City Council. Additionally, local municipalities provide different opportunities for public involvement in the process.This engagement is practiced not only for the general strategic plan but also for private urban design projects.Advice to the Young Aspirants There is a precondition: my work requires passion. It is not simple, as we directly contribute to improving (or sometimes diminishing) the quality of life in our communities. Therefore, the foundation of our work must be well-rounded, incorporating more than just technical skills. Various experiences are essential to this process. When discussing historical preservation, it is essential to recognize that the historical urban fabric--beyond just monuments and heritage sites--plays a significant role in preserving our identity
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