In Slovakia many villages have to solve many problems gathered during the last years (especially the lack of technical, social and ecological infrastructure). The possibilities of municipalities to solve them are usually limited, because of lack of finances, human potential as well as willingness of people and other social subjects to solve the problems. Mainly smaller villages and municipalities in problematic regions are in a very complicated situation, because they are marginalized that retarded (or made impossible) their development. It is a situation where the role of inhabitant’s increases - the problems touches them directly, they know them (as well as existing sources and potentials) to the best and they are ready to help. An example of such an approach and attempt to solve the problems is an activity of municipalities in the microregion (Rimava - Rimavica) trying to revitalize the area by their own resources and finances. The paper presents certain activities of the project Phare realized in the years 1999-2000.