CIVITAS Deep Dive 5: Managing Demand and Urban Space
The CIVITAS Deep Dive 5: Managing Demand & Urban Space offers urban mobility professionals an in-
depth learning journey into one of the most complex challenges cities face today: managing urban
logistics and deliveries within limited street and curb space.
Participants explore why urban logistics has become a central driver of space management in cities.
With growing delivery volumes, tighter time windows and increasing competition between loading,
parking, public space and movement, the curbside has become a critical battleground. The
programme helps participants understand why congestion is often not the core problem - but
rather the result of mismanaged demand and unclear allocation of space, roles and rules.
The Deep Dive then focuses on what cities are doing to manage urban logistics more effectively.
Through European trends, CIVITAS examples and real-life city cases, participants learn how cities
combine freight-oriented measures with broader demand and space management strategies. Topics
include curbside management and enforcement, logistics regulations and time windows,
consolidation and micro-hubs, cargo bike deployment and the integration of freight into wider street
redesign and parking reform processes. Special attention is paid to governance, data, monitoring
and stakeholder collaboration - key enablers for successful freight interventions.
A core element of the programme is how to apply urban logistics and space management in practice.
During the in-person session at the CIVITAS Forum 2026, participants work hands-on with a Living Lab case
focused on urban logistics. In mixed teams, they design an integrated Action Plan that combines
freight solutions with demand management and street space reallocation, tailored to their local
context.
Throughout the programme, participants develop their own practical Action Plan addressing a
concrete urban logistics challenge from their city - such as curbside conflicts, delivery access, or the
integration of logistics hubs into urban neighbourhoods. The Deep Dive supports participants in
defining clear objectives for the first 90 days as well as a 6–12 month implementation roadmap,
strengthened through peer exchange and expert feedback.
Between sessions, participants complete short assignments that help them reflect on local freight
challenges, collect concrete examples and continuously strengthen their Action Plan - directly
linking learning outcomes to their daily professional practice.
Session Overview
Session 1 (online) – Why
Get introduced to key concepts through expert lectures, followed by interactive discussions to build a
solid foundation. This session aims to inform and inspire the first steps of your action plan.
Session 2 (online) – What
Apply your knowledge in hands-on exercises and an expert lecture. Work in breakout groups and
engage in practical activities, supported by an external expert. Begin translating ideas into action for
your local challenge.
Session 3 (in person) – How
Meet face-to-face at the CIVITAS Forum in Thessaloniki, Greece. Reflect on your progress and link
concepts to your own work environment. Through guided group work, refine your action plan by
connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world conditions in your city.
Session 4 (online) – Connect
Present your action plan to your peers and receive constructive feedback. Participate in interactive
sessions to consolidate key insights and strengthen your ideas for implementation.
Session 5 (online) – Reflect
Reflect on the entire Deep Dive journey. Discuss outcomes, lessons learned and next steps in an
open, peer-based evaluation session.
Please fill in the application form to apply for a place.
Application deadline: 16 August 2026, 23:59 CET
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Session 1 (online): 31 August, 14:30 – 16:00 CET
Session 2 (online): 7 September, 14:30 – 16:00 CET
Session 3 (in-person): CIVITAS Forum 2026, Thessaloniki (Greece), 14 September, afternoon
Session 4 (online): 5 October, 14:30 – 16:00 CET
Session 5 (online): 2 November, 14:30 – 16:00 CET
For any enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: academy [at] dtv [dot] nl
The CIVITAS Deep Dive Organising Committee
Author: Marjolein van de Nadort
