The Aachen Citizens’ Council is a new participatory initiative launched by the City of Aachen. It offers citizens the opportunity to discuss important urban development issues together and make recommendations to policymakers and city officials. The goal is to incorporate the perspectives of Aachen residents into decision-making processes at an early stage and to strengthen local democracy.
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© City of Aachen / Christian van't Hoen
What is the Citizens' Council?
The Citizens’ Assembly consists of residents of the city of Aachen selected by lottery. A fair selection process ensures that people from different age groups, neighborhoods, and walks of life are represented. This creates a diverse reflection of the city’s society.
In moderated sessions, the council addresses specific issues, such as mobility, climate protection, housing, and urban design. The results are communicated to policymakers and administrative officials in the form of recommendations.
What are the benefits of the Citizens' Assembly?
With the Citizens' Assembly, the City of Aachen is expanding its opportunities for public participation and fostering constructive dialogue between the administration, policymakers, and the public.
The investment is intended to:
- improve the quality of local government decisions,
- Increase transparency in political processes,
- Strengthen trust between citizens and the city government,
- and promote civic engagement.
Get Involved and Stay Informed
All Aachen residents can support the Citizens' Assembly:
- if they were selected by lottery as a participant
- when they voted on the final topic during the topic-selection process on the City of Aachen's participation platform
- by following up on the results and participating in follow-up events
- or by submitting their ideas and suggestions through other city-sponsored participation channels
You can find regular updates on topics, meetings, and results on this page.
Together, we’re shaping the Aachen of tomorrow! Transparent, through dialogue, and forward-looking.
Past Citizens' Assemblies
Citizens' Assembly 2023
Aachen was the first city in Germany to establish a permanent citizens’ council, which met in the fall of 2023 to address the important question: “How can Aachen’s downtown once again become an attractive shopping destination?” Following an inspiring kickoff event on October 28, 2023, the members of the council worked through three intensive days of sessions, which took place on November 4 and 5. The participants were supported by expert facilitation from Zebralog GmbH.
Further information and highlights from the 2023 Citizens’ CouncilCitizens' Assembly 2024
In the fall of 2024, the second Aachen Citizens’ Council convened to address the central question: “How can Aachen become more attractive to families with children?” Following an inspiring kickoff event on September 7, 2024, the members of the council worked through three intensive days—on September 14, September 21, and September 28—under the expert facilitation of IKU_DIE DIALOGGESTALTER and with valuable input from experts. The goal was to develop ten concrete and actionable recommendations based on the broad topic of family-friendliness in Aachen.
More information and highlights from the 2024 Citizens' Assembly
Citizens' Assembly 2025
In the summer of 2025, the third Aachen Citizens’ Council convened to address the central question: “Balanced Mobility in Aachen: How can we ensure that transportation policy decisions take into account the needs of all road users? What specific measures are effective in fostering balanced coexistence?” Following an inspiring kick-off event on July 14, 2025, the members of the council worked through three intensive days—on June 21, June 28, and July 5—under the expert facilitation of the Zebralog participation office and with valuable input from experts. The goal was to develop ten concrete and actionable recommendations based on the comprehensive topic of balanced mobility in Aachen.
More information and highlights from the 2025 Citizens' Assembly
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