NETCO

NETCO, the Network of Cities for Collaborative Housing, is a European initiative coordinated by the City of Barcelona and funded by the European Commission through the Citizenship, Equality, Rights, and Values Programme. The network brings together municipalities, regional governments, and civil society organizations from across Europe to promote knowledge exchange and foster practical collaboration on collaborative housing solutions. Its core ambition is to address pressing issues of affordability, inclusivity, and social cohesion in urban housing by empowering cities and communities to share best practices and develop new collective housing models. Collaborative housing in the NETCO context encompasses diverse formats such as cohousing and community land trusts. These approaches aim to provide long-term, often permanently affordable, and inclusive housing while actively involving residents in the management and decision-making processes of their communities. The network serves as a platform for peer learning, connecting cities experienced in collaborative housing with those seeking to establish such initiatives, thus supporting a broader shift toward sustainable urban development. From 2022 to 2024, NETCO’s activities included international conferences, policy debates, and the compilation of local success stories, with active participation from cities and regions in more than ten European countries. The project has focused on mobilizing public servants, practitioners, and community members, encouraging them to co-create policy responses that reduce inequality and improve access to decent housing. NETCO’s long-term objective is to help scale up collaborative housing initiatives, expand its membership, and influence policy at multiple governance levels throughout Europe.