Exceptional undertakings by the municipalities
In the vibrant landscape of Baden-Württemberg, a series of remarkable initiatives have been taking place, each contributing to the promotion of communication, citizen participation, and cultural growth.
In the heart of the Rems-Murr district, the municipality of Schorndorf has made headlines by successfully integrating artificial intelligence into its administration. This innovative approach earned Schorndorf the top spot in the "Digitalization and Modern Administration" category at the 2023 Stuttgart State Gazette Award.
Meanwhile, in the Ostalb district, Mutlangen's youth council has been making waves. Established in 2018, this unique council operates without elections and focuses on project-based work, recently receiving a special award at the Stuttgart Old Castle celebration by Finance Minister Danyal Bayaz (Greens).
The Blumental Castle in Tengen, located in the Constance district, has undergone a transformation, now serving as an open space for art and culture in the rural Hegau. This cultural renaissance earned the castle the title of a "cultural real laboratory" by the award jury.
Elsewhere, the city of Reutlingen has been at the centre of an intriguing event. Unexpected posters with offensive advertising appeared, initially causing a stir. However, the city turned this into an opportunity for a public discussion, asking citizens for the reasons for their love of the city. This initiative resulted in hundreds of contributions that strengthened the identification with the city, offering approaches for citizen participation beyond pure advertising.
In a more light-hearted vein, Matthias Beer, the Mayor of Markt Beratzhausen, has been making a name for himself on TikTok, reporting on the ups and downs of the mayor's office. In his second project, Beer hosts the podcast "Lerche&Beer" with Sebastian Koch, Mayor of Wenzenbach, openly promoting communal opinion formation.
Offenburg, too, has been making strides in promoting community engagement. The city's historical sites, including the "Salmen" inn, which once housed Offenburg's synagogue, destroyed during the November pogrom in 1938, focus on fundamental values, including darker chapters of German history. Offenburg offers special historical tours for migrants to highlight the integrative potential of its democracy history.
The Staatsanzeiger Award, a prestigious recognition for good administrative work, saw a record number of applications this year, with 139 submissions, mostly from Baden-Württemberg but also from municipalities all over the republic. Alexander Teutsch, CEO of Staatsanzeiger, believes that whoever experiences the award is a living witness to the vitality of democracy.
Each of these initiatives serves as a testament to the spirit of innovation, community engagement, and cultural growth that is alive and well in Baden-Württemberg. As we move forward, it is clear that these values will continue to shape the region's future.
