ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a theoretical analysis of local public policies pursued by local governments in response to depopulation from the perspective of institutional constraints of agenda-setting in Poland. The author sets out to identify the economic, technological, political, and institutional factors that affect the process of agenda setting and control in local governments. The theoretical framework for the study is provided by the agenda-setting theory and the narrative policy framework. The differences in local public policies are analysed along the following dimensions: uniqueness (originality of policy), actors, dominant narratives, and financial independence. The findings are based on a survey conducted in 2021 among selected local decision-makers representing cities at risk of depopulation and their direct subordinates, as well as a Q.D.A. analysis of local governments’ action plans. In conclusion, the author suggests that it is necessary to build collective confidence in the possibility of change. Influence in the here and now as well as an awareness of the critical, negative, and imminent consequences of the situation that necessitate prompt action are all required for local public policy against depopulation to succeed.
