D.2.1.2 - PP7 Community Workshop in Pécs: Co‑Creating Practical Solutions for Better Rural Living

In June, PP7 STRIA Nonprofit Ltd. organised a community workshop in Pécs (Baranya County, Hungary), bringing together local authorities, businesses, civil society and residents to co‑design realistic pathways for modern rural living and remote work in the region.

What the community validated 💬
Through a World Café discussion, participants agreed on one key message: Baranya’s municipalities cannot rely on large-scale infrastructure or direct financial incentives, but they can make a real difference with low-cost, “soft” measures that build on existing assets – vacant rural housing, natural and cultural resources, and digital connectivity.

Key community‑endorsed directions 🌱

🏡 Housing
The main barrier is not the lack of rural housing, but complex procedures and unclear information. The community supported a pilot focused on administrative support and a simple relocation guide to help people access vacant properties.

🌳 Green and environmental assets
Instead of creating new green infrastructure, participants backed promoting the Mecsek Hills and other existing natural assets through a coordinated regional communication strategy.

🫶 Well‑being, recreation and culture
Rather than a formal welcome programme, the group proposed a regional digital platform bringing together festivals, cultural events and community activities to help newcomers connect more easily.

⚡ Digital and co‑working infrastructure
Since new broadband or co‑working spaces are beyond local budgets, the community supported mapping rural areas with reliable connectivity and linking them to existing co‑working hubs in nearby cities.

🏥 Public services and employer support
The main cross-cutting challenge was employers’ limited readiness for remote or hybrid work. The community therefore prioritised regional guidance and short workshops for SMEs to build confidence and capacity.

Integrated pilot directions for Baranya 🔗
Overall, participants agreed that future pilot activities should combine relocation support, promotion of existing assets, visibility of connected rural places and capacity-building for local employers. These realistic measures can strengthen rural quality of life and position Baranya as a place where people can live and work remotely.