The third Aachen Citizens' Council kicked off last Saturday, June 14, with a festive kick-off event in the town hall. The randomly drawn citizens came together for the first time. Their common goal: to develop ideas on how mobility in Aachen can be made more balanced, fairer and more livable in the future. "Mobility affects us all - whether we drive, walk, cycle or take the bus or train. That's why it's so important that many voices are heard," said Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen at the welcoming address in the town hall. "The Citizens' Council stands for a vibrant democracy: open, respectful and collaborative."

Diversity, exchange, commitment and a walk through the city

The kick-off was characterized by an open and appreciative atmosphere. The participants got to know each other and talked about what connects them personally to the topic of mobility. Who are the others? What moves us? What do we want to achieve together? In the coming weeks, we will continue to discuss, listen and sometimes argue: always with the aim of finding viable solutions together. The process will be supported by an experienced moderation team and experts from the city administration

A special part of the program was the joint city walk. In small groups, the participants explored central locations in Aachen's city center, always with a focus on the topic of mobility. The tour began in Jakobstraße, which has been a premium footpath since 2024. The tour continued to Löhergraben, which was redesigned as the Karlsgraben traffic control point and forms the basis for a future cycle distribution ring. The route then continued along the Alexianergraben to the Kapuzinergraben and into the historic old town. In perfect weather, the citizens took the opportunity to get an idea of the current traffic situation and make initial contacts with each other.

The Citizens' Assembly will meet again on the next three Saturdays, June 21 and 28 and July 5. With professional moderation, the participants will deepen their impressions, discuss different perspectives and draw up a citizens' report with concrete recommendations. This report will be submitted to the Aachen City Council for further consultation as a direct impulse from the population.

Active, participative, voluntary

The Citizens' Council is an important instrument for actively involving citizens in political processes for a participatory urban society. As a permanent, institutionalized body, the council goes far beyond a discussion forum. The discussion between very different people results in an exciting change of perspective. Together and with the support of experts, recommendations are developed and a citizens' report is drawn up, which is presented to politicians for a decision. Politicians and administrators thus receive a direct recommendation from the citizens. The members of the Citizens' Council are newly appointed each year. In addition to the opportunity to help shape their own city, contribute their own ideas and perspectives and discuss them with others, the participants also receive an expense allowance.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the new Citizens' Council can find further information at www.aachen.de/buerger_innenrat. If you have any questions, Albert Halfmann from the Citizens' Dialogue and Administrative Management department can also be contacted by telephone on 0241 432-7223 or by email at buerger_innenrat@mail.aachen.de.