ABSTRACT
Long-term policy problems are often referred to as meta-problems or grand challenges. The time frames for resolving them are longer than the typical election, decision-making, planning, and budgeting cycles because they span at least one generation. Long-term problems are distinguished by high levels of uncertainty about what the future will look like and what steps must be taken to prepare for it. The purpose of this chapter is to examine how policymakers in Poland organise their efforts in response to the long-term problem of depopulation and regional ageing. It will attempt to answer the following questions: Do Polish policymakers regard depopulation as a long-term policy issue? What are the likely implications of urban depopulation in Poland? What is the perceived responsibility of local governments in combating depopulation and what measures are commonly deployed? The following considerations are based on in-depth interviews (qualitative research) with selected local decision-makers (city presidents, mayors) in charge of managing cities at risk of depopulation as well as their immediate subordinates (treasurers, secretaries).
