Press releases

The members of the Aachen Citizens' Council 2024 presented their recommendations on the question "How can Aachen become more attractive for families with children?" at yesterday's meeting of the Citizens' Forum (December 3). After intensive deliberations in three working sessions in September, the Council presented a ten-point citizens' report that outlines concrete measures to increase the city's attractiveness for families with children.

Mayor Sibylle Keupen opened the meeting in the old ballroom with a welcoming address. The members of the Citizens' Council then took over, moderated by the agency "IKU - Die Dialoggestalter", which had also accompanied the Citizens' Council process. The citizens not only reported on the results, but also gave an authentic and lively account of their personal impressions from the consultations. "Family friendliness means quality of life. The recommendations of the Citizens' Council are a strong sign of how important it is to focus on families and support them," said Mayor Sibylle Keupen, who was delighted with the Citizens' Council's proposals.

The 10 key recommendations at a glance

The presentation focused on the ten recommendations of the report, which shed light on the topic of family friendliness in Aachen from a variety of perspectives:

1. central care exchange: development of a flexible placement platform that cooperates with local associations and offers a comprehensive network.

2. project "Socially active": introduction of a project week at schools that strengthens social skills and networks.

3. digital bureaucracy navigation: online advice centers and digital assistance to support families.

4. simplified online applications: Low-barrier and efficient digital administrative processes for families.

5. themed playground in the city center: an attractive meeting place for families that combines a visit to the city with fun and games.

6. youth culture center: a consumption-free, safe place for young people.

7th Interactive family website: Clear, informative offer for family-friendly activities and support options.

8. pilot function through personal contact persons: On-site support through home visits.

9. unsealing and greening initiatives: Sustainable residential environment design that actively involves children.

10. citizen buses: Temporary mobility services for families without their own car, especially in the suburbs.

The recommendations were appreciated and met with great approval. In a lively round of talks, Mayor Sibylle Keupen, the Chairman of the Citizens' Forum, Mathias Dopatka, the Chairwoman of the Children and Youth Committee, Hilde Scheidt, the Deputy for Education, Youth and Culture, Heinrich Brötz, and members of the Citizens' Council discussed the next steps. They particularly emphasized how important it was to consistently incorporate the proposals of the Citizens' Council into urban planning.

What happens next?

On February 5, 2025, the Aachen City Council will discuss and decide on the current recommendations in a public meeting. Aachen is also planning a citizens' council for the coming year.

The city administration provides regular updates on the progress and implementation of the recommendations at www.aachen.de/buerger_innenrat.

If you have any questions, Citizens' Secretary Albert Halfmann from the Citizens' Dialogue and Administrative Management department is also available by telephone on 0241 432-7223 or by e-mail at buerger_innenrat@mail.aachen.de.