The City Is Ours

Miasto Jest Nasze (MJN) is an urban movement in Warsaw, established in October 2013, actively working to improve the quality of life in the capital. Registered as an association in 2014, the organization brings together over 250 members, and its impact on Warsaw's social and urban policies has been significant. One of MJN's key initiatives was the defense of cultural heritage, as in the case of the "Femina" cinema, which was slated to be replaced by a store. MJN's activism focuses on various areas, including public transportation, environmental protection, combating smog, and reprivatization issues. Among the organization's architectural efforts is support for local artisans and the promotion of traditional businesses, aimed at preserving Warsaw's cultural identity. MJN strives to revitalize neglected urban spaces, such as the Marymont Stadium. In 2017, MJN opened the Smog Information Center in response to the growing problem of air pollution in the capital. The organization advocates for sustainable transportation by promoting public transit and initiatives to reduce the harm caused by individual car traffic. Interestingly, MJN released an interactive reprivatization map, which led to the exposure of irregularities and prompted responses from law enforcement agencies. In academic publications and international media outlets such as *The New York Times*, MJN's influence on shaping Warsaw's urban landscape has been recognized. Acting as a watchdog, the organization monitors the actions of city officials and influences local government policies, securing seats in district councils. In 2024, MJN, in a coalition with the Razem and Nowa Lewica parties, obtained 29 seats in Warsaw's district councils. MJN undertakes a range of activities aimed at fostering public participation and promoting ecological values, making it a significant element of Warsaw's social activism.