20. Local State–Society Relations in Poland

The chapter describes five types of formalized local state–society networks operating in Poland: local labor market councils (LMCs), committees for the prevention of alcohol problems (CPAPs), public benefit local councils (PBLCs), local action groups (LAGs) and local urban regeneration committees (LURCs). They display features of self-reflective, independent, communicative and collaborative networks. Most of these networks have been established after 2000, and their regulatory framework is still dynamic. They are relatively weak in terms of their influence over sectoral policies. In the absence of strong corporatist traditions in Poland, and due to the unstable civil society infrastructure, policymaking at the local level is still based mainly on the pillars of political representation.