A study on the functions and prospective direction of public-private intermediate support facilities for civic activities

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward greater participation in machidukuri not only by the local government but also by citizens. This study focuses on public-private intermediary support facilities that support citizen activities, to clarify their actual functions, issues, and prospective direction. Through interviews with the facilities and analysis of their efforts, it can be said that intermediate support facilities are like "crossroads" where resources related to civic activities come and go, providing "companionable" support to each citizen by making use of their expertise and know-how. In addition, there are issues such as raising awareness of the facility, promoting use by young people, fostering human resources for intermediary support, and how to deliver the facility's support city-wide. While solving these issues, it is important to build a solid relationship between the administration and facility management body with an awareness of grasping the needs of the community.