Developing the restorative cities of Lecco and Como: overview of the process and lessons learnt

Abstract

Aim: To comparatively examine the development of the restorative cities of Lecco and Como—two interdependent but distinct local processes in Lombardy—by analysing their origins, governance, institutional embedding, legal framework, practices, results, and limitations.
Methodology: Documentary analysis combined with the authors’ practitioner-researcher experience.

Findings: Both cities extend restorative justice beyond criminal proceedings through intermediary bodies connecting citizens, civil society, and public institutions. Lecco retains a more citizen-driven and experimental model, whereas Como is more organisationally and institutionally coordinated. The strongest shared outcome is the creation of territorial restorative capacity (networks, trained actors, dialogue spaces, and links between community and criminal justice).

Value: The experience of both cities shows that restorative-city development depends on bottom-up participation, diversified institutional support, sustained resources, and context-sensitive adaptation.