Within the politics for sustainable development the citizens are now expected to play an active and direct role in the implementation process. The viability of the citizens to take up this role, however, remains unclear. This study explores the prerequisites for citizen participation according to the UN Habitat-agenda. The objective was to investigate residents¿ interest, time for and real action to commit themselves in local work in residential areas in Sweden and in Russia. The results indicate that few people actively participated in local collective matters or had an interest in doing so. Citizens clearly need new incitements for local participation and action, which both fits into their everyday life and which supports a new sustainable lifestyle. This book can therefore be useful for planners, politicians, residential companies and residents to help reflect on today's challenge to work for a sustainable habitation.