1- Introduction

Slums in the metropolis of Mashhad have long been a primary concern for urban and national management, and their organization has consistently been identified as the Achilles' heel of urban management. Due to the unplanned development of the city, these neighborhoods have developed an organic, worn-out, and very dense texture that conflicts with their neighboring areas in terms of physical, social, economic, and other characteristics. Despite the high population in these neighborhoods, unfortunately, there has been excessive and unplanned development and expansion, which has led to an unfavorable situation compared to other neighborhoods in the Mashhad metropolis, which has led to the departure of the original residents and the settlement of undocumented immigrants (chalou), non-Iranian nationals, etc. One of the important measures that should be taken as a first step to implement sustainable regeneration as efficiently as possible is to identify the network of problems in the marginalized neighborhoods. As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons for the decline of the city's texture in terms of function and structure is the lack of fit and harmony with the needs and desires of residents, which has increased the process of deterioration. One of the new policies in urban development, particularly in the regeneration of inefficient and disorderly areas, is the implementation of development-stimulating projects aimed at accelerating and facilitating the transformation process in these areas by utilizing local capacities. Meanwhile, urban regeneration and development projects serve as generators to restore prosperity and development to targeted areas, launching a cycle of vibrant and dynamic activity in these areas. Additionally, in dysfunctional urban contexts, where residents may face challenges such as unemployment, poverty, declining public service quality, and inadequate infrastructure, livelihood resilience can serve as a vital tool for the social and economic reconstruction and rehabilitation of neighborhoods. Improving livelihood resilience enables these communities to better respond to and recover from economic, social, and even natural shocks (such as natural disasters or economic crises).

2. Materials and Methods

Based on its purpose, the present research is classified as applied research, and in terms of research methodology, it employs a descriptive-analytical approach. The required information was collected through documentary and field methods, especially through the researchers' objective observations and discoveries, as well as interviews and the organization of audio and video documents. To analyze the interview results, the Delphi method, thematic analysis, and the Steeple technique were employed. The Shahid Maghul and Amirabad neighborhoods, which serve as the study area, are located in the western and southwestern parts of Mashhad's six districts, specifically in the Shahid Rajaee town area. The areas of the Shahid Maghul and Amirabad neighborhoods are 76.3 hectares and 95.2 hectares, respectively, totaling 171 hectares. They have allocated about 9 percent of the area of Mashhad's six districts.

3. Results and Discussion

Considering the main goal of the present study, strengthening the role and active participation of residents in the decision-making processes, planning, and implementation of neighborhood-based economic projects, in this section, a general overview of the social situation (reaching a general and initial view of the environment, issues, and needs) of the Shahid Maghul neighborhood and the Amirabad neighborhood is presented through direct observation. A focus group discussion and semi-structured interviews were conducted among various groups in the neighborhood, including age and gender groups, diverse ethnicities (Baloch, Afghan, Arab, Pakistani, etc.), and different religions. The economic and social problems and challenges of these neighborhoods were identified and analyzed.

1) Direct observation

2) Focus group discussion with members of the social council and some neighborhood trustees

3) Conducting in-depth interviews at the neighborhood level

The results of the interviews were divided into three categories as  Problems and needs arising from the opinions of the people and residents of the neighborhood, Problems and needs arising from the opinions of city managers and officials, and the problems and needs identified by the researcher during the field visit were classified and the final problem network of Shahid Maghul and Amirabad neighborhoods was identified in different dimensions with the help of the Steeple technique.

4. Conclusion

Development-stimulating and flagship projects, as influential initiatives in inner-city contexts, are a key component of the new policies in the regeneration approach. These projects can be effective in addressing many issues and problems in these contexts through targeted plans and micro-measures. These measures can be incorporated into the advancement of social, economic, and environmental policies and can also serve as a means to attract investments for the continuous regeneration of the urban texture, inspiring and guiding subsequent developments. Therefore, with the correct and timely implementation of projects that stimulate the development of the regeneration concept, meaning the process of developing all aspects of policies and improving the quality of life in these areas, it is realized. In the present study, in order to implement the idea of re-creation and realize its goals at the level of Shahid Maghul and Amirabad neighborhoods, in the first step, the most important challenges and issues of these neighborhoods were identified by holding a series of brainstorming sessions with the presence of members of the social council, local trustees and experts, urban managers and specialists, and by conducting field patrols and surveys. Then, the needs of the residents were surveyed to improve the quality of the environment and social welfare. Corresponding to each of the surveyed needs, stimulating, trust-building, and quick-return projects were identified. The most significant and pressing challenge and main need was the lack of suitable jobs for residents and the underutilization of the local labor force in industrial and workshop units in West Amirabad. Therefore, an attempt was made to summarize the results of a series of brainstorming sessions held with residents and experts and propose three practical and operational projects, including the establishment of a multipurpose cooperative company, the creation of a daily market in Ordibehesht and Amirabad gardens, and the holding of skill-based courses.

5. Aknowledgmant & Funding

·         The authors express their sincere gratitude to all interview participants for supporting this research.
This article did not receive any financial support from any organization.

6. Conflict of Interest

·         The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.