Small and medium-sized towns play an essential role in local development and they are a vital element of the settlement network. They are service centers and places where local economic activity concentrates. In order to strengthen the potential, counteract negative social-economic phenomena,  increase economic activity and achieve common goals, the towns form associations and start co-operation. Cittaslow is one of the examples of such activities. It is an international network that implements the idea of Slow City which concentrates on the improvement in the quality of life, economic development, particular care of the environment and promotion of local products. It operates according to the sustainable development rules. The aim of the research is to classify towns which are members of Polish Cittaslow Network according to their level of development and indicate potential and barriers in the development of the selected settlement units. In the research, a range of factors such as demographic, socio-economic and spatial-functional factors were considered. The diversity research was conducted with the use of mathematical-statistical method and the taxonomy method. As a result, Cittaslow towns were classified into typological groups of various level of development. Moreover, the role of the Cittaslow network in local and regional development was discussed and barriers and potential in the development of towns which especially stand out among Polish Cittaslow Network were indicated. The results showed that Cittaslow towns are marked with a considerable diversification in the level of development and potentials and barriers to development. 

The structures emergent in the suburbanization process are the new form of urbanized landscape. They, however, require innovative planning tools, the so-called inter-cities (German: die Zwischenstadt). It involves innovative spatial concepts creating an alternative to the global trends that are homogenizing the social life in suburban areas. Inspired by the slow-hood model, the Author’s concept of a slow-suburb uses the exeperince of the Cittaslow network. Elements of urban and agricultural programs are integrated through a strategy for improvement of the quality of life on the outskirts of a metropolis. The remnants of traditional suburbs and rural systems within urban peripheries form a potential for creation of metropolitan enclaves of highquality slow-life. The article is illustrated with research case studies carried out in Gdansk, Poland, with reference to current international research.

The issue of revitalization of public space in cities appeared in the countries of Western Europe in the early 1960s. Much later, the issue of renewal was introduced in countries such as Slovakia and Poland. The beginnings of the revitalization programs date back to the period of political transformation, and in particular concern the accession of these countries to the EU. Since then, the revitalization has become a very important issue for the policy of developing small towns. The space suitable for revitalization is presented as neglected, left without use or not used properly. Areas which undergoing by revitalization are most often described as post-industrial, industrial, and large-scale urban areas. However, the concept of revitalization has evolved especially in the recent years towards the renewal of the city centers and satellite districts in which public spaces are important. Currently, many programs, projects, and activities refer to the concept of revitalization. Revitalization is an interdisciplinary process that combines issues of urban development with architectural planning, economics, sociology, psychology, and others. The work presents the problems of changes in public space related to the implementation of revitalization programs. Reference has been made to changes in the structure of public spaces, as well as areas and facilities of particular importance for residents of small towns in Slovakia and Poland. Finally, the examples of revitalization in both countries are presented. The aim of the research was to analyze the process of revitalization of public spaces on the example of small towns in Poland and Slovakia. The main task was to refer to the issues of changes in space in the context of social and cultural and spatial changes. For this purpose, authors analyzed projects and realizations involving the revitalization of small towns belonging to the Cittaslow Association in Poland and the small cities of the selected Košice, Prešov and Nitra region in Slovakia. 

A research on the Poles’ attitude towards heritage has shown their perception of its role in life. Do they accept public financing of the heritage? Do they recognize its development potential? Ca. 45% of small town residents believe that heritage can improve the quality of life. Almost 69% understand its economic dimension. The analysis shows areas where development measures should focus.

The main purpose of the article is to analyse the role that urban green areas can play in the sustainable urban development. The article describes urban green areas in Nowa Huta, their system and functions, which allowed for the diagnosis of the role they fulfil today and which they can potentially fulfil. In addition, thanks to the analysis of aspects connected with urban green areas in the Study of the Conditions and Directions of the Spatial Management and Local Spatial Management Plans, it was possible to present how spatial planning, as one of the tools of urban development management, can influence the role of urban green areas.

The aim of the article is the operationalization of the concept of urban movements, taking into account the specificity of Polish conditions, a country with a relatively young and unstable democracy. Publication is a voice in the discussion on the directions of research in contemporary social movements, and also draws attention to the strong diversification of Polish grassroots initiatives operating under the common name of “urban movements”.