ABSTRACT
This chapter draws attention to the issues of the urban shrinkage process at national and local levels. It presents the context of urban shrinkage in its demographic form as well as policy responses in Poland. The chapter offers a deeper chronological analysis of the most important post-World War II events, choices, and decisions, as well as their transformative effects on the Polish industrial shrinking city of Walbrzych. Key drivers that have influenced the shrinkage of Polish cities include: demographic change, massive outmigration, transformation of the settlement system and, transformation of the economy. Finally, the chapter formulates future challenges and policy recommendations. According to the latest demographic projections, Walbrzych will continue shrinking into the foreseeable future. Its adaptation to the process of shrinkage and a long-term development vision for a smaller but more residentially friendly city seems to be of key importance for its future.
