The Citizens' Assembly's recommendations have now been finalized

Previously, its members had addressed the question “How can Aachen’s downtown become an attractive shopping destination again?” in a future workshop, developing various ideas and visions and formulating initial, broad areas of action. Building on this, a wide range of proposed solutions was collected, discussed, and prioritized at the most recent meeting. Using the “Dynamic Facilitation” method, the council arrived at solutions that were often unexpected, creative, and had the power to transform the situation for everyone involved. The Citizens’ Council will present the developed recommendations at a public Citizens’ Council conference on December 12. In January, the Citizens’ Report will then be discussed in the Citizens’ Forum. Finally, the City Council will deliberate and decide on the Citizens’ Council’s recommendations regarding the retail sector. In parallel, the city administration will keep citizens informed about this process and the implementation of the recommendations at www.aachen.de. In an initial statement, Mayor Sibylle Keupen expressed her delight that Aachen, as a pioneer in Germany, had successfully established the city’s first permanent Citizens’ Council. She said: “The Citizens’ Council is an important tool for actively involving citizens in political processes to foster a participatory urban society. As a permanent, institutionalized body, the council goes far beyond a mere discussion forum. This provides policymakers and city officials with direct recommendations from the citizenry.” She continued: “Democracy is strengthened only through genuine participation, which in turn solidifies citizens’ trust in political processes. Aachen is thus sending a clear signal in favor of a democracy based on transparency, diversity, and active citizen participation.” The members of the Citizens’ Assembly are reappointed each year. In addition to the opportunity to help shape their own city and contribute their own ideas and perspectives, participants receive an expense allowance. By establishing and structurally embedding this as a permanent Citizens’ Council, Aachen’s citizens are not only more deeply involved in local politics, but also strengthen Aachen’s culture of dialogue through a new and effective tool. Further information is available online at www.aachen.de/citizens’_council If you have any questions, Albert Halfmann from the Department of Citizen Dialogue and Administrative Management is available by phone at 0241 432-7223 or by email at buerger_innenrat@mail.aachen.de.