# Journalist Marco Corrias Leads Fluminimaggiore's Economic Revival Project A former Tg5 editor aims to combat depopulation by creating an Happy Village. - **Source:** [Il Sole 24 Ore – Italia](https://www.ilsole24ore.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f5b4c16e-7b16-4c34-b137-2a22a8df9231 ## Combating Long-term Population Decline Fluminimaggiore has lost over one thousand residents in thirty years following the closure of local mining operations. The population currently stands at approximately 2,500 people. Former Tg5 editor Marco Corrias initiated a project to reverse this demographic decline by leveraging local cultural assets and repurposing vacant housing stock for new residents. ## The Community Cooperative Model The project is managed by a community cooperative that currently boasts 400 members. Under the leadership of Corrias, the organization focuses on acquiring or managing vacant homes. The primary goal is to attract high-spending retirees from across Italy and Northern Europe to settle in the town, providing them with comprehensive lifestyle services. ## Comprehensive Resident Support Services New residents are offered an all-inclusive service package designed to simplify their transition to the town. This includes property maintenance, meal delivery, and transportation services for social activities like theater visits. The initiative aims to integrate newcomers into the local fabric while utilizing the town's natural springs and historical archaeological sites. ## Infrastructure and Social Investment The cooperative purchased a central building using resources from the Just Transition Fund. This facility will house a social kindergarten, a service center for digital bureaucracy assistance, and a café. These spaces are intended to foster intergenerational cooperation, where students assist the elderly with digital tasks while mothers manage childcare duties. ## Cultural Programming as Growth Cultural initiatives serve as a pillar for the town's revitalization strategy. The Andaras film festival, established in 2019, runs for a full month and attracts significant local attention. The new central building will also host book presentations, film screenings, and small concerts, aiming to draw visitors and boost local community engagement. ## Funding and Public Participation A fundraising campaign was launched to cover expenses and interest on loans taken for the central building acquisition. The initiative received rapid support from numerous contributors within days of its launch. Corrias continues to promote the project nationally, with upcoming presentations scheduled in Florence to attract further interest and potential residents. ## Journalistic Approach to Governance Marco Corrias applied his professional background as a journalist to his tenure as mayor, which began eight years ago. His approach emphasizes curiosity and systematic problem-solving to address the town's economic stagnation. By transitioning from political office to the presidency of the cooperative, he maintains a hands-on role in project implementation. ## Future Outlook for Fluminimaggiore The Happy Village project represents a strategic effort to transform a former mining town into a destination for retirees and cultural tourists. Success is measured by small, incremental steps, such as attracting 50 new people to the area. The long-term viability depends on sustained community participation and the successful integration of services. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/dal-tg5-paese-ritorno-casa-costruire-l-happy-village-e-contrastare-spopolamento-AJphmH7B — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._