My question is simple, is the process of long term population decline witnessed in some urban neighbourhoods a process of unavoidable natural forces or can we change this and develop effective sustainable neighbourhood development ...
Hello Raymond, there is a great deal of literature and a lot of examples both in the UK and Europe of cities tackling this very issue. I visited Freiburg, a city in Germany which is renowned for its environmental and social sustainability goals. I recommend you look at two urban districts in particular Vauban and Rieselfeld. As well as, having high environmental standards, their is a strong focus on democracy and engagement with local residents who take an active role in their neighbourhoods.
When I was there it was clear how invested people where in their communities and how well this urban planning approach worked at reducing population decline. People loved to live in the urban districts because it was theirs!