Maribor – Housing Strategies in a Slovenian City Linking Competitiveness with Social Cohesion

Abstract

The core focus of this chapter is the analysis of the housing situation and dynamics in Maribor region since transition from a socialist system to a market led system. A contradiction results especially for local authorities or the state, resulting from the local culture of independent housing which is a favourable situation for cohesion (in terms of neighbourhood formation) and the higher cost of infrastructure provision (under the conditions of scarce public resources). The chapter looks at how the local authorities of Maribor and the wider system of governance structures deal with this situation, both in reactive but in particular in pro-active ways. After an introduction to the formal structures and development situation in Slovenia, special focus is placed on changes in the housing sector and housing conditions, such as changes in tenure and ownership. Thereafter, the governance strategies to reconcile the economic pressures with social cohesion aspects are addressed. Lastly, some recommendations for urban development, aimed at reinforcing the competitiveness and cohesion of Slovenian cities and urban regions in national and international context, are included at the end of the chapter.