Bewerbung für Leipzig als European Capital of Democracy 2024/25
Stadt: leipzig
Drucksache: VII-DS-08941
Datum: 2023-08-31
Vorlagenart: Beschlussvorlage

1/9 
 
 
Ratsversammlung 
 
 
 
Beschlussvorlage-Nr. VII-DS-08941 
 
Status: öffentlich 
 
Eingereicht von: 
Dezernat Jugend, Schule und Demokratie 
 
 
 
Betreff: 
Bewerbung für Leipzig als European Capital of Democracy 2024/25 
 
 
Beratungsfolge (Änderungen vorbehalten): 
Gremium 
Voraussichtlicher 
Sitzungstermin 
Zuständigkeit 
   
DB OBM - Vorabstimmung  Bestätigung 
Dienstberatung des Oberbürgermeisters  Bestätigung 
FA Jugend, Schule und Demokratie  Vorberatung 
Ratsversammlung 18.10.2023 Beschlussfassung 
 
 
Beschlussvorschlag 
Leipzig bewirbt sich um den Titel European Capital of Democracy 2024/2025. Mit der 
Verleihung des Titels geht die Umsetzung eines Programmjahres 2025 mit dem Ziel der 
Stärkung der Demokratie einher. 
 
Räumlicher Bezug 
Stadtgebiet Leipzig 
 
 
Zusammenfassung 
 
Anlass der Vorlage:    
 
  Rechtliche Vorschriften   Stadtratsbeschluss   Verwaltungshandeln 
 
X  Sonstiges: 
 
Seit 2022 wird von der ECoD gGmbH jährlich die Europäische Hauptstadt der Demokratie 
ausgerufen. Leipzigs Declaration of Intent wurde positiv bewertet und eine Bewerbung 
ausdrücklich begrüßt. 
  
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Finanzielle Auswirkungen 
Finanzielle Auswirkungen X nein  wenn ja, 
Kostengünstigere Alternativen geprüft  nein  ja, Ergebnis siehe Anlage zur Begründung 
Folgen bei Ablehnung  nein  ja, Erläuterung siehe Anlage zur Begründung 
Handelt es sich um eine Investition (damit aktivierungspflichtig)?  nein  ja, Erläuterung siehe Anlage zur Begründung 
  
Im Haushalt wirksam von bis Höhe in EUR wo veranschlagt 
Ergebnishaushalt Erträge     
 Aufwendungen     
Finanzhaushalt Einzahlungen     
 Auszahlungen     
Entstehen Folgekosten oder Einsparungen? X 
Nein, 
nicht 
im 
HH 
2023/
24 
 wenn ja, nachfolgend angegeben 
 
Folgekosten Einsparungen wirksam von bis Höhe in EUR/Jahr wo veranschlagt 
Zu Lasten anderer OE Ergeb. HH Erträge     
 Ergeb. HH Aufwand     
Nach Durchführung der 
Maßnahme zu erwarten Ergeb. HH Erträge     
 Ergeb. HH Aufwand (ohne 
Abschreibungen)     
 Ergeb. HH Aufwand aus 
jährl. Abschreibungen      
    
Steuerrechtliche Prüfung  X nein  wenn ja 
Unternehmerische Tätigkeit i.S.d. §§ 2 Abs. 1 und 2B 
UStG   nein  ja, Erläuterung siehe Punkt 4 des Sachverhalts 
Umsatzsteuerpflicht der Leistung   nein  ja, Erläuterung siehe Anlage zur Begründung 
Bei Verträgen: Umsatzsteuerklausel aufgenommen   ja  nein, Erläuterung siehe Anlage zur Begründung 
 
Auswirkungen auf den Stellenplan X nein  wenn ja, nachfolgend angegeben 
Beantragte Stellenerweiterung:  Vorgesehener Stellenabbau:  
 
  
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Ziele 
Hintergrund zum Beschlussvorschlag: 
Welche strategischen Ziele werden mit der Maßnahme unterstützt? 
  
 
2030 – Leipzig wächst nachhaltig! 
Ziele und Handlungsschwerpunkte 
Leipzig setzt auf  
Lebensqualität 
Leipzig besteht im  
Wettbewerb 
 Balance zwischen 
Verdichtung und Freiraum 
 Positive 
Rahmenbedingungen für 
qualifizierte Arbeitsplätze 
 Qualität im öffentlichen Raum 
und in der Baukultur 
 Attraktives Umfeld für 
Innovation, Gründer und 
Fachkräfte 
 Nachhaltige Mobilität 
 
 Vielfältige und stabile 
Wirtschaftsstruktur 
 Vorsorgende Klima- und 
Energiestrategie 
 Vorsorgendes Flächen- und 
Liegenschafts-management 
 Erhalt und Verbesserung der 
Umweltqualität 
 Leistungsfähige technische 
Infrastruktur 
 Quartiersnahe Kultur-, Sport- 
und Freiraum-angebote 
 
 
 Vernetzung von Bildung, 
Forschung und Wirtschaft 
Leipzig schafft soziale Stabilität  Wirkung auf Akteure 
Leipzig stärkt seine 
Internationalität 
 Chancengerechtigkeit in der 
inklusiven Stadt 
X Bürgerstadt  Weltoffene Stadt 
 Gemeinschaftliche 
Quartiersentwicklung 
 Region  Vielfältige, lebendige Kultur- 
und Sportlandschaft 
 Bezahlbares Wohnen  Stadtrat  Interdisziplinäre 
Wissenschaft und exzellente 
Forschung 
 Zukunftsorientierte Kita- und 
Schulangebote 
 Kommunalwirtschaft  Attraktiver Tagungs- und 
Tourismusstandort 
 Lebenslanges Lernen  Verwaltung X Imageprägende 
Großveranstaltungen 
 Sichere Stadt   X Globales Denken, lokal 
verantwortliches Handeln 
      
 Sonstige Ziele 
Bei Bedarf überschreiben (max. 50 ZML) 
 Trifft nicht zu     
 
  
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Klimawirkung 
Klimawirkung durch den Beschluss der Vorlage 
Stufe 1: Grobe Einordnung zur Klimawirkung (Klimaschutzes und zur –wandelanpassung) 
Eingesetzte Energieträger (Strom, 
Wärme, Brennstoff) X keine / Aussage nicht möglich  erneuerbar  fossil 
Reduziert bestehenden Energie-
/Ressourcenverbrauch X Aussage nicht möglich  ja  nein 
Speichert CO2-Emissionen (u.a. 
Baumpflanzungen) X Aussage nicht möglich  ja  nein 
Mindert die Auswirkungen des 
Klimawandels (u. a. Entsiegelung, 
Regenwassermanagement) 
X Aussage nicht möglich  ja  nein 
Abschätzbare Klimawirkung mit 
erheblicher Relevanz  ja, da Beschlussgremium RV, GVA, oder VA und mind. 5 
Jahre Betriebs- und Nutzungsdauer X nein 
Vorlage hat keine abschätzbare 
Klimawirkung X ja (Prüfschema endet hier.)   
 
Stufe 2: Die Vorlage berücksichtigt die zentralen energie- und klimapolitischen Beschlüsse (s. 
leipzig.de) 
  ja  nein (Begründung s. Abwägungsprozess)  nicht berührt (Prüfschema endet 
hier.) 
       
Stufe 3: Detaillierte Darstellung zur abschätzbaren Klimawirkung nur bei erheblicher Relevanz 
  Berechnete THG-Emissionen (in t bzw. t./a): ____________________ 
  liegt vor: s. Anlage/Kapitel der Vorlage: ________________________ 
  wird vorgelegt mit: ________________ (z. B. Planungsbeschluss, Baubeschluss, Billigungs- und 
Auslegungsbeschluss) 
   
 
 
 
Sachverhalt 
Beschreibung des Abwägungsprozesses:   
 
Die Initiative „European Capital of Democracy“ (ECoD gGmbH) hat sich die Stärkung der 
Demokratie zum Ziel gemacht und ruft europäische Städte auf, sich um den Titel „European 
Capital of Democracy“ zu bewerben. Städte seien, so die ECoD gGmbH, an den 
Bedürfnissen, Talenten und der Dynamik ihrer Bevölkerung am nächsten und damit 
elementar für die demokratische Widerstandsfähigkeit. Da Leipzig als Wiege der Friedlichen 
Revolution eine besondere Rolle für die Demokratie einnimmt, wird eine Bewerbung 
angestrebt. 
 
I.  Eilbedürftigkeitsbegründung  
 
entfällt 
  
II.  Begründung Nichtöffentlichkeit   
 
entfällt   
  
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III.   Strategische Ziele  
 
Bürgerstadt 
Gemeinsam mit den Leipzigerinnen und Leipzigern werden Veranstaltungen geplant und 
umgesetzt. Diese sollen sich positiv auf den Zusammenhalt der Stadtgesellschaft auswirken 
und längerfristige Prozesse im Bereich der Demokratieförderung anstoßen. 
 
Imageprägende Großveranstaltungen 
Mithilfe des Netzwerks ECoD und der Werbung für Leipzig wird ein positives Image 
gefördert. Für 2025 bereits geplante Großveranstaltungen fließen dabei in die Bewerbung 
mit ein. 
 
Globales Denken, lokal verantwortliches Handeln 
Für die Bewerbung als ECoD werden explizit Projekte gefordert, die als Modell fungieren und 
auch in anderen europäischen Städten umgesetzt werden können. Wichtig bei der 
Umsetzung des Programmjahres ist die Einbindung der Ortschaften. Ein Fokus der 
Bewerbung soll daher auf der dezentralen Ausrichtung der unterschiedlichen Projekte liegen.   
 
IV.  Sachverhalt  
 
1.  Anlass  
 
Den aktuellen Anlass bietet der Aufruf an europäische Städte der ECoD gGmbH, sich zu 
bewerben. Die ECoD gGmbH bietet der ausgerufenen Titelträgerin Unterstützung bei der 
Entwicklung und Umsetzung von Demokratieprojekten während des Projektjahres an und 
bringt hochkarätige (Groß-) Veranstaltungen mit Demokratiebezug in die Stadt. 
Folgende Vorteile für Leipzig, die mit dem Titel „European Capital of Democracy“ 
einhergehen, sprechen für eine Bewerbung: 
 
• Stärkung der Verbundenheit der Leipzigerinnen und Leipziger mit ihrer Stadt; 
• die Möglichkeit internationale Veranstaltungen und Treffen führender europäischer 
Politikerinnen und Politiker auszurichten; 
• Teil des ECoD City-Netzwerks sein. Damit verbunden wäre ein gegenseitiger 
Wissens- und Erfahrungsaustausch, Zugang zu internationaler Expertise sowie 
Vernetzung zwischen den europäischen Städten; 
• Der Titel ECoD würde sich zeitlich mit der Präsidentschaft des Oberbürgermeisters 
im Eurocities Netzwerk überschneiden und diese gut und wertvoll ergänzen; 
• die Initiierung von dezentralen Projekten zur Förderung der politischen Bildung und 
demokratischen Kultur; 
• eine Erhöhung des Bekanntheitsgrades bereits vorhandener oder sich in Planung 
befindlicher Projekte; 
• die Stärkung der Reputation Leipzigs als weltoffene, innovative und zukunftsge-
richtete Stadt. 
  
Als Stadt Leipzig arbeiten wir bereits in vielen Projekten und Prozessen, um der drohenden 
Entfremdung vom politischen System, von demokratischen Institutionen, Prozessen oder 
Akteurinnen und Akteuren (siehe Ergebnisse des Leipziger Demokratie-Monitors 2020, VII-
Ifo-07145) entgegenzuwirken und gemeinsam mit der Stadtgesellschaft, zivilgesellschaft-
lichen Akteurinnen und Akteuren sowie der Politik unsere Demokratie zu stärken. Aufbauend 
auf dem Erbe der Friedlichen Revolution, setzt Leipzig auf die aktive Einbindung seiner 
Bürgerinnen und Bürger und nutzt in gemeinsamer Bearbeitung auch Krisen als 
Herausforderung und Chance, das demokratische Miteinander immer wieder neu zu denken 
und weiter zu entwickeln. 
 
 
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2.  Beschreibung der Maßnahme  
 
In die Bewerbung Leipzigs um die Auszeichnung als European Capital of Democracy fließen 
sowohl vergangene als auch bestehende Formate und Ideen zur Entwicklung neuer Projekte 
ein.  
Die Initiative European Capital of Democracy bietet eine Plattform, die laufenden und neuen 
Projekten zu mehr Aufmerksamkeit und Wirksamkeit verhilft. Das Projektjahr kann und soll 
ein Anstoß sein, um Maßnahmen zur Stärkung des gesellschaftlichen Miteinanders zu 
probieren, zu implementieren und zu evaluieren und bei positiver Bilanz langfristig zum 
Tragen zu bringen. Aufbauend auf dem Jahr der Demokratie im Jahr 2018 soll im Jahr 2025 
erneut ein sichtbares Zeichen für die Demokratie gesetzt werden und für möglichst viele 
Menschen erfahrbar gemacht werden. Im Rahmen des europäischen Netzwerks bietet sich 
die Möglichkeit, eigene Best-Practice Beispiele einzubringen und von den Erfahrungen 
anderer zu profitieren. Das Netzwerk trägt so zur gegenseitigen Stärkung hinsichtlich der 
multiplen Herausforderungen bei, denen unsere Städte, Gemeinden und Gesellschaft derzeit 
ausgesetzt sind. 
 
Die Eröffnungszeremonie für den Ehrentitel „Europäische Demokratiehauptstadt“ findet im 
Herbst 2024, also um den 35. Jahrestag der Friedlichen Revolution, statt. Aufbauend auf 
diesem Erbe und in der Tradition einer demokratischen Stadt, wollen wir die Bewerbung 
nutzen, um tatkräftig in die Zukunft zu blicken und die Stadt Leipzig und unsere (lokale) 
Demokratie weiter voranzubringen. 
 
Für das Programmjahr 2025 werden mit Unterstützung der ECoD gGmbH Veranstaltungen, 
Projekte und Aktivitäten mit dem Fokus auf der Stärkung der Demokratie gemeinsam mit den 
Leipzigerinnen und Leipzigern kuratiert, organisiert und veranstaltet, um die ganze Stadt zu 
einer Bühne der europäischen Demokratie zu machen – Bürgerinnen und Bürger, 
Politikerinnen und Politiker, Expertinnen und Experten, zivilgesellschaftliche Akteurinnen und 
Akteure, Künstlerinnen und Künstler sowie Medienschaffende sind eingeladen, sich an der 
Initiative zu beteiligen. Es ist hierbei das Ziel, die Veranstaltungen nicht nur im Zentrum, 
sondern über die ganze Stadt verteilt zu verorten. 
 
Eine erfolgreiche Bewerbung bedeutet nicht alleine, dass Leipzig eine imageprägende 
Großveranstaltung ausrichtet und das Bild Leipzigs „nach außen“ weiter positiv geprägt wird. 
Auch der Prozess der partizipativen Entwicklung und Organisation von Projekten soll positiv 
auf den Zusammenhalt innerhalb der Stadtgesellschaft wirken. Die dezentrale Ausrichtung 
gibt einen Anstoß für das Miteinander und ermöglicht die Entwicklung von längerfristigen 
Projekten zur Förderung des Gemeinwohls.  
 
Für die Bewerbung sind mindestens 6 Fokusprojekte einzubringen, welche mindestens einen 
der folgenden Bereiche betreffen: Beteiligung, Empowerment, gesellschaftliches 
Miteinander, Technologie und Nachhaltigkeit. Dabei sind mindestens drei Projekte 
„Zukunftsprojekte“, die übrigen bis zu fünf stellen abgeschlossene oder aktuell laufende 
Tätigkeiten dar. 
 
Die Leipziger Bewerbung bildet einen Querschnitt aus den Bereichen der Digitalisierung, der 
Vielfalts- und Teilhabeförderung, der Jugendbeteiligung, der Kultur sowie der 
Nachhaltigkeitsförderung ebenso ab, wie die Einbindung des Konzeptes zur Bewältigung von 
Krisen, mit seinem innovativen Ansatz der ko-kreativen Einbindung der Zivilgesellschaft. 
Wichtig ist, dass alle Projekte und Maßnahmen der Stadt in das Programmjahr einfließen 
können, selbst, wenn sie nicht als Fokusprojekt in den Unterlagen aufgegriffen werden. Auch 
Veranstaltungen, die die Stadt prägen, aber keinen klassischen Demokratiefokus besitzen 
(wie der Weihnachtsmarkt oder der Leipzig-Marathon), können im Programmjahr mit 
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aufgegriffen werden und so über das Netzwerk europaweit beworben werden. 
 
Auf Basis der Zuarbeiten der Fachbereiche wurden die Programmvorschläge inklusive 
Bildern, Videos und Website-URLs sowie eine Darstellung des Leitbildes (Mission 
Statement) erarbeitet und zusammengestellt.  
 
Vorsorglich wurden die Bewerbungsunterlagen fristwahrend bereits eingereicht, um eine 
Bewerbung zu ermöglichen. Mit dieser Beschlussvorlage entscheidet der Stadtrat darüber, 
ob Leipzig sich als European Capital of Democracy 2024/2025 bewirbt. 
 
Die eingegangenen Unterlagen aller sich bewerbenden Städte werden von einer Fachjury 
gesichtet und bewertet. Eine Jury aus bis zu 10.000 europäischen Bürgerinnen und Bürgern 
wählt die Gewinnerin aus. 
 
3.  Realisierungs- / Zeithorizont  
 
14.07.2023    vorsorglich fristwahrendes Einreichen der Unterlagen 
 
Oktober 2023  Beschluss durch die Ratsversammlung zur Bewerbung 
und zur Ausgestaltung des Programmjahres 
 
November 2023  Bewertung aller eingegangener Bewerbungen durch die 
Expertenjury sowie Besuch der Städte, die in der 
engeren Auswahl sind durch die Expertenjury 
 
 Vorstellung der Auswahlliste der nominierten Städte 
durch die Expertenjury gegenüber der Bürgerjury. 
 
Dezember 2023 Prüfung der Auswahlliste durch die Bürgerjury und Wahl 
der European Capital of Democracy 2024/2025 und 
Verkündung der Wahl auf einer gemeinsamen 
Pressekonferenz 
 
Januar bis August 2024    Gemeinsame Vorbereitung des Programmjahres in 
einem trialogischen Prozess zwischen Politik, 
Zivilgesellschaft und Verwaltung 
 
September/ Oktober 2024 Eröffnungsfeier der zweiten European Capital of 
Democracy 
 
Januar bis Dezember 2025  Programmjahr als European Capital of Democracy 
 
4.  Finanzielle Auswirkungen  
 
Für die Bewerbung selbst entstehen keine Mehrkosten. 
 
Bei erfolgreiche Kandidatur entstehen Folgekosten für Planung und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit im 
Haushaltsjahr 2024, die vom Budget des Referats Demokratie und gesellschaftlicher 
Zusammenhalt getragen werden. Es entstehen Kosten für ein einheitliches Branding des 
Themenjahres und entsprechende Werbe- sowie Informationsmaterialien in Höhe von 
10.000 €. Die Deckung erfolgt im Jahr 2024 aus dem Innenauftrag 107111120003, der für 
Umsetzung von Beteiligungsprojekten eingerichtet wurde (siehe Nr. VII-DA-01747-DA-04-
DS-01). 
 
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Die Deckung der Kosten für Planung und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit in Höhe von 25.000 Euro 
erfolgt im Jahr 2024 aus dem Innenauftrag 107111120003 sowie aus dem Innenauftrag 
1071111120006, in welchem anstehende Beteiligungsprojekte rahmengebend in die Planung 
des ECoD-Programmjahres integriert werden. 
 
Die finanzielle Verortung der geplanten Fokusprojekte erfolgt gemäß den bestehenden 
Planungen in den Verwaltungseinheiten (s. Bewerbungsunterlagen im Anhang). Die 
beteiligten Verwaltungseinheiten werden mit Beschluss der Bewerbung verpflichtet, die 
beworbenen Projekte innerhalb der Eckwerte der Fachämter in ihrer Haushaltsplanung 
2025/26 abzubilden. Die Koordination des Themenjahres erfolgt durch das Referat 
Demokratie und gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt. Etwaige Mehrkosten in bestehenden 
Formaten durch eine Integration in das Themenjahr sollen vermieden werden. Die durch die 
ECoD gGmbH durchgeführten Großveranstaltungen und Projekte werden durch die 
Organisation selbst finanziert, hier entstehen der Stadt Leipzig keine Kosten.  
 
 
Folgekosten Deckung durch 
Art Höhe Haus
halts-
jahr 
OE-
Nr.: 
OE- 
Bezeichnung 
Kontierungs-
element 
Sach-
konten 
Bez. SK 
Einheitliches 
Branding 
5.000 € 2024 71 Referat 
Demokratie u. 
gesell. 
Zusammenhalt 
IA 107111120003 42711200 
 
Bes. 
Verwaltungs-
/ 
Betriebsaufw. 
dez. 
Werbe-/ 
Informations-
materialien 
5.000 € 2024 71 Referat 
Demokratie u. 
gesell. 
Zusammenhalt 
IA 107111120003 42711200 
 
Bes. 
Verwaltungs-
/ 
Betriebsaufw. 
dez. 
Planung ECoD 
durch Ref. 71 
10.000 € 2024 71 Referat 
Demokratie u. 
gesell. 
Zusammenhalt 
IA 107111120003 42711200 
 
Bes. 
Verwaltungs-
/ 
Betriebsaufw. 
dez. 
Öffentlichkeitsar
beit ECoD 
durch Ref. 71 
15.000 € 2024 71 Referat 
Demokratie u. 
gesell. 
Zusammenhalt 
IA 107111120006 42711200 
 
Bes. 
Verwaltungs-
/ 
Betriebsaufw. 
dez. 
 
 
5.  Auswirkungen auf den Stellenplan  
 
keine  
  
6.  Bürgerbeteiligung  
  
  bereits erfolgt X  geplant   nicht nötig 
 
Gemeinsam mit Leipzigerinnen und Leipzigern werden Veranstaltungen für das 
Programmjahr „Leipzig - European Capital of Democracy 2024/2025“ geplant, organisiert 
und umgesetzt. 
  
7.  Besonderheiten   
 
keine 
 
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8.  Folgen bei Nichtbeschluss 
 
Bei Nichtbeschluss kann sich Leipzig nicht als European Capital of Democracy bewerben. 
 
 
Anlage/n 
1 ECoD_Application Leipzig (öffentlich) 
 
 
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1/17ECoD 2024/25 -  Application Leipzig (167) - EJ
Mission statement summary
Headline
Our Answer to a “Crisis of Democracy“? More Democracy!
Teaser
As the City of the Peaceful Revolution and of the workers and women’s rights movement, Leipzig is shaped 
by an active civil society. Facing multiple crises and the growth of political, even democratic disenchantment, 
populism and sense of insecurity, we need to live and strengthen our local democracy. As a European, 
cosmopolitan and open city, our answer to a crisis of democracy is: more democracy!
Summary
The biggest challenges for our democracy are not conspiracies or extremists. It is part of the democratic 
system
 to have adversaries – it is even one of its key features. The biggest challenge for our democracy is 
ever larger groups of people who seem to have lost interest in democracy.
Therefore, we must make it our task to reverse this trend. To do so, we need to train democratic dialogue: to 
enter into processes of negotiation with people of different opinions.
As the City of the Peaceful Revolution, Leipzig is shaped by an active civil society and a vivid democratic 
process. We actively encourage citizen engagement by having installed neighbourhood and district councils 
and budgeting, having integrated the Youth Parliament into the city councils session, having enhanced public 
consultations and forms of direct dialogue. Citizen´s neighbourhood festivals are another element to 
strengthen community involvement and local democracy.
To create room for exchange we foster “third spaces”: In our cultural facilities, we provide rooms to be freely 
used by groups or single persons away from gainful employment and private environments. Testing and 
evaluating new formats like citizens’ assemblies, digital and gaming tools such as online platforms, as well 
as a Smart City Lab we strive to enable broader participation and gather diverse perspectives, searching to 
include those, who usually remain silent and do hardly participate.
To enable a fair dialogue, we increase transparency: Providing accessible and comprehensive information 
about government activities, policies and projects ensures transparency in decision-making processes. The 
“Year of Democracy” set a special focus hereon in 2018. Through means as the CUT Project
(https://www.connectedurbantwins.de/en/), we establish mechanisms for public access to government data 
and encourage proactive disclosure of information.
The great support from the people of Leipzig in times of municipal challenges, such as the care of arriving 
Ukrainian refugees, shows that our citizens want to engage and stand together in times of need. Together 
with our citizens, we will therefore make our city crisis-proof and develop a Blackout-Management-Plan. 
Making our citizens part of the concept of how our city will act in a crisis scenario, we will increase social 
cohesion and build up resilience.
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ECoD 2024/25 - Application Leipzig (167) - EJ 2/17
Inspired by our rich history of democratic and civil rights activism, we will strengthen local democracy and
democratic values by a large number of current and future projects. Leipzig's successful transition to a
democratic society can serve as a model for other cities and regions striving for democracy.
By displaying our experiences and achievements while addressing the challenges we are facing, Leipzig can
contribute to strengthening democratic values, institutions and practices throughout Europe, foster European
integration and promote cultural diversity and innovation.
Democratic Ambitions
Our response to a "crisis of democracy" is more democracy! It is in our cities and communities where we can
rebuild trust in democratic institutions. Understanding democracy as more than a mere obligation to vote
every few years, we emphasize dialogue, participation, and addressing the issues that shape society.
Although sometimes exhausting and slow, only democratic processes can achieve long-term success and
bring about the structural changes our societies require to confront present challenges.
To enhance participation and dialogue, we continually explore new approaches by creating and evaluating
novel forms of involvement for key city issues. We strengthen local civil society and support youth
engagement. Collaborating with civil society organizations, community groups, and grassroots initiatives, we
provide funding, resources, and training to actively involve them in the democratic process and contribute to
local governance. As part of the CUT-Project Network, we embrace digital innovation, leveraging technology
to augment citizen participation, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency. Our digital platforms
facilitate public consultations, fallowing citizens to contribute their ideas. Additionally, we extend our
commitment to democracy to urban planning. At the historical site Matthäikirchhof, the birthplace of Leipzig
and former seat of the GDR state security, we plan to establish a unique Campus of Democracy, bringing
together museums, archives, and civil society. This campus will attract global visitors while fostering new
forms of local civic participation and cultural life.
We promote interaction between the city and suburban neighbourhoods to empower local communities. Our
citizen survey on democracy reveals diminishing support for democratic values and interest in local politics in
suburban neighboordhoods. Consequently, we focus on implementing projects and encouraging participation
in these neighbourhoods to foster stronger community networks. Our goal is to motivate residents to actively
shape local policies, and services that directly impacts their communities.
Facing local and global crises such as war, refugee influx, climate change, and high energy prices, we strive
to make our city crisis-resistant together. In times of crisis, uncertainty and fear grow, providing fertile ground
for conspiracies and extremist ideologies. When people feel excluded from the decision-making process,
they tend to feel powerless and distrust politicians' ability to make sound choices. However, recent support
for Ukrainian refugees in Leipzig demonstrates people's willingness to engage and stand together in times of
need. Therefore, collaborating with our citizens, we will develop a Blackout-Management-Plan, ensuring their
input on how our city should act in a crisis scenario. Together, we will enhance preparedness, foster social
cohesion, and create a sense of security and trust in our collective strength in times of uncertainty.
Achieved successes
In October 1989, a broad alliance of opposition groups, environmental organizations and churches brought
tens of thousands onto the streets of Leipzig, starting the Peaceful Revolution that led into the end of the
GDR and German Reunification. In Leipzig, world history was made. Proud of the heritage of the Peaceful
Revolution, each year the people of Leipzig actively cultivate this remembrance in the “Lichtfest” (Festival of
Lights: https://www.lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de/home.html) all over the city. Moreover, the “Leipziger
Freiheits- und Einheitsdenkmal” (Leipzig Monument to Liberty and Unity) will be realized including a broad
participation process to keep the force of those people standing up for democratic values alive.
After the German reunification, Leipzig went through a challenging time of depression and decline, marked
by high unemployment and dramatic population loss. A policy fostering collaboration and partnerships
between public, private, and civil society sectors facilitated coordinated efforts in urban planning, economic
development, and community engagement and contributed to Leipzig's revitalization since the early 2000s.
Today, the city has grown again to over 625,000 inhabitants, disposes of a dynamic cultural life and a stable
economy and is one of the fastest growing and most popular cities in Germany.
This multi-stakeholder approach and the importance of civil actors is still key to understanding Leipzig: For
people who want to get involved, there are also countless associations and institutions that are socially
active. The city helps and advises people in the city office and online who want to volunteer. There are also
over 70 committees and advisory boards in which city councillors and experts are heard on specialist topics
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suchasurbanplanningoryouthwelfare.Tostrengthenourvividcultureofstrongcivilactivismandalliances,from2024thecitybienniallywillawardthe“Robert-Blum-PriceofDemocracy”asarewardtoapersonofthepublicforextraordinarycommitmenttocivildisclosure,democracyandpeacefulchange.
Lookingatourveryactivecivilsociety,wehavetofacethefact,thatalsoinLeipzigthisactivegroupisonlypartsofthesocietyintotal.Tomeetthischallenge,Leipzigdevelopedafunctioningstructureoflocalneighbourhoodcouncilsandbodiesandinitiatedcitizens’andneighbourhoodbudgets.Since2015,theLeipzigYouthParliamentiselectedtorepresentourcity’syoungpeopletowardsMunicipalityandinthecitycouncil.Togetabroaderrangeofopinion,weinitiatedacitizens'assemblyonakeyquestion:thecommongoodinLeipzig.Adiversegroupofpeoplediscussedandpassedaletterofrecommendationstothecitycouncilforfurtherdiscussion.Linkingtheassemblytoregularstructures,westrengthenedpoliticalresponsivenessandpoliticaltrustandintegratedabroaderrangeofperspective.
FutureChallengesThepeopleofLeipzigwhocourageouslytooktothestreetsinfall1989initiatedademocratictransitionthroughpeacefuldemonstrations.However,thetransitionafter1989andtheradicalchangeofthepolitical,social,economicandculturallifebroughtdramaticchallengesforeveryfamilyinLeipzigandledtoanambivalentviewofthosedevelopments.
Whiletherewasfreedomofchoice,ofspeechandtherighttotravelontheonehand,manylosttheirjobs,theireverydaylive,butalsotheirfriendsandfamilyandwiththemtheiridentity.Muchhashealedovertime,butthefrustrationanddistrusttowardspoliticalinstitutionsrundeep.Thechallengeswefaceareimmenseandcomplex:energysupply,securingprosperity,climatecatastrophe,environmentalprotection,theongoingworkagainstfakenewsandconspiracytelling–thesearealsoimportantissuesforourcity.LocalsurveysstatethatalsoinLeipzigtrustinpoliticalinstitutionsdiminisheswhileatthesametime,peoplewanttogetinvolvedmore.
Weneedtomakedemocracyanditsbenefitsmorevisible.Notonlypoliticiansandadministrators,butalsoeachandeverycitizenputsdemocraticdecisionsintopractice.InLeipzig,wecreatethislinkwithourneighbourhoodbudgetstobringaboutaperceptibleconnectionbetweenresidentsideas,localdemocraticdecisionprocessesandvisibleresults.
Asacityadministration,weareonlybeginningtodiscoverandusethebenefitsofdigitalizationnotonlyforcivilservicesbutalsoforsupportingdemocracyandparticipation.Weneedtolearnhowtopositionourselvesdigitallyandthuseasilyaccessibleforourcitizenswithoutneglectingcybersecurityorgettinglostofthosewhoarenotyetpartofthedigitalworld.
Weseethesechallengesaschances:chancestoinvolvepeoplemore,listenmore,explainactionsmoretransparentlyandconvincethepeopleofLeipzigtoparticipate.Werelyondialoguebetweenthepopulation,politicsandadministration.Itishardtoshapethefuturetogetherifwedisagreeaboutthepast.Thatiswhyweneedtocombinepoliticaleducation,historicalreflections,activeremembranceandnewapproachesofcivilengagementtomeetthetopicsofthefuture.Thebestwaytodothisisthroughcloseexchange–withthepeopleofLeipzigandourneighboringEuropeancities.
Leipzig'ssuccessfultransitiontoademocraticsocietycanserveasamodelforothercitiesandregionsstrivingfordemocracy.Withourdemocraticheritageandmanyongoingdemocracyprojects,wefeelastrongEuropeanresponsibility.Therefore,LeipzigisalsoanactivememberintheEUROCITIESnetwork.CurrentlypresidingEUROCITIES,ourengagementforfreedomanddemocracywouldperfectlytwinewiththeECoDtitle.
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Current ProjectsProject1:YouthParliamentLeipzig● Type:Bestpractice● Timeframe:Permanent● URL:https://jugendparlament.leipzig.de/
Brief DescriptionTheLeipzigYouthParliament,alsoknownasthe"JugendparlamentLeipzigorshortJuPa"isarepresentativebodythatprovidesaplatformforyoungindividualsinLeipzigtoactivelyparticipateinlocaldecision-makingprocesses.Itservesasademocraticinstitutiondesignedtoengageyouth,typicallybetweentheagesof14and21,inshapingpoliciesandinitiativesthatdirectlyaffectthemandtheircommunity.TheJuPaconsistsof20youngrepresentatives,directlyelectedbytheyoungLeipzigcitizens.Throughtheworkingcommittiesandgroups,allyoungpeopleinterestedinparticipatinginlocalpoliticscangetengaged.
DetailedDescriptionTheideawasbornbyagroupofyoungpeople,supportedbyacivilsocietyorganisationin2011.Afteryearsofplanningandnegotions,theparliamentwasfoundedandfirstofficialelectionswereheldin2015.Sincethen,electionshavetakenplaceeverytwoyears.
TheYouthParliamentaimstopromoteciviceducationandempoweryoungpeopletobecomeactivecitizens.Itservesasabridgebetweenyoungindividualsandlocalauthorities,facilitatingmeaningfuldialogueandcollaboration.ThroughtheirinvolvementintheYouthParliament,youngpeoplehavetheopportunitytovoicetheiropinions,concerns,andideas,allowingthemtocontributetothedevelopmentofLeipzig.
ThestructureoftheLeipzigYouthParliamentismodeledafteraparliamentarysystem,mirroringtheprinciplesandproceduresofdemocraticgovernance.MembersoftheYouthParliamentareelectedthroughademocraticvotingprocess,whereyoungindividualshavethechancetochooserepresentativeswhowilladvocatefortheirinterests.
TheYouthParliamentholdsregularmeetings,providingaspacefordiscussions,debates,andtheexchangeofideas.Membershavetheopportunitytoproposeinitiatives,draftresolutions,andworktogethertoaddresskeyissuesaffectingyouthinLeipzig.Theseinitiativescancoverawiderangeoftopics,suchaseducation,environment,socialjustice,culturalactivities,andmore.
TheYouthParliamentactivelycollaborateswithlocalauthorities,policymakers,andorganizationstoensurethatthevoicesofyoungpeopleareheardandconsideredindecision-makingprocesses.Itprovidesrecommendations,input,andfeedbackonrelevantpoliciesandinitiatives,fosteringastrongerconnectionbetweentheyouthandthelocalgovernment.
Itsuccessfullyinitiatedarangeofcouncilresolutionaddressingimportantissues,suchastheimplementationofacomplaintmanagementsysteminaccommodationfacilitiesforasylumseekers,supportforyoungpeopleinstationaryyouthaccommodationfacilities,constructionofsafebikelanesordeclaringastatusofclimateemergencyforLeipzigtonameonlyafew.
Inadditiontoitsroleasanadvocacyplatform,theLeipzigYouthParliamentalsofocusesonpromotingciviceducationandyouthparticipation.Itorganizesworkshops,trainingsessions,andeducationalprogramstoempoweryoungindividualswithknowledgeandskillsrelatedtodemocracy,leadership,publicspeaking,andteamwork.
Overall,theLeipzigYouthParliamentservesasanimportantavenueforyoungindividualsinLeipzigtoengageinciviclife,learnaboutdemocraticprocesses,andcontributetothedevelopmentoftheircommunity.Itplaysacrucialroleinempoweringyouth,amplifyingtheirvoices,andfosteringasenseofownershipandresponsibilitytowardstheircity.
ContributionTheprojectactivelyaddressesyoungpeopletobecomepartofthelocaldemocraticsystem.Itworkstowardsamorediverse,moreinclusivesociety.Havingyoungpeoplerepresentedinallaspectsoflocal
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policymaking,enrichesdiscussions,enlargesperspectivesandfostersnegotiationsprocesses.Youngpeoplearepartofoursocietyandassuch,theyshouldhavethemeanstopartakeinthewayweshapeit.
Target group(s)Theprojectfocusesyoungpeopleasthemainactors.Asactivemembersofthelocaldemocraticsystem,thesemembersaffectpolicymaking.Itthereforeindirectlytargetsthecityasawhole.TheJuPamembersfosterinternationalexchangetoyoungpeoplefromothercountries.Theprojectcanwellbeappliedinotherregions.
CollaborationTheJuPacontinuouslyworksonbecomingmoreinclusive.Thecityadministrationsupportsthisbyprovidingacolleagueaspedagogicsupportfortheyoungpeopleaswellasbarrierfreerooms.Thehomepagehasareadingfunctionandifyoungpeoplewithhandicapwishtoparticipateinthesessionsallkindsofsupportcanweappliedfor.Theyoungpeopleaswellastheadministrativestaffareingoodcontactwithsurroundingregions.However,theprojectonlyfocusesyoungpeopleinLeipzig.
CommunicationTheprojectiscommunicatedviathemunicipality'susualchannels(website,socialmedia,pressstatements).TheJuPamembersthemselvesbuilttheirownwebsiteandsocialmediachannels(seeinstagram@jupaleipzig).Informationontheprojectandhowtoparticipateisalsoregularlysenttoschools.MembersoftheJuPacanbepartofdelegationsifthecitypaysavisittoabefriendedcityorattendsaconference-withinGermanyandabroad.
Project setupWithinthecityadministrationmainlytheofficeformunicipalaffairsfocusingontheadministrative/internaltasksaswellastheofficefordemocracyfocusingonthepedagogicaccompanimentarechargedwithsupportingtheJuPa.Duringelectionyears,likeforeveryotherelection,theofficeforstaticsandelectionsaswellasthecommunicationsofficejointheteam.Inadditiontothisadministrativebackground,theJuPahasfourmainsectionstomanageitsdailyworkload:Firstly,theParliamentitself,withall20electedrepresentatives.Outofthiscircle,agroupofspokespersonsiselected.Theparliamentaryworkispreparedinworkingbodiesandcommitteesondifferenttopics.Toconnecttheyouthparliamentalsolegallytothecitycounciltherefurthermoreisayouthadvisoryboard,inwhichmembersofthecitycouncilarerepresentedalongsidetheyouthparliamentrepresentatives.Thespokespersonsoftheboardtakepartinthecitycouncilsessions.
DescriptionTheinitiativetotheprojectresultedfromacivilinitiative.TheYouthParliamentitselfkeepsaclosecontacttocivilsocietyorganisationsandtrytoactivelyincludetheirpositions.Theyarenot,however,involvedinoperationoftheproject.
Budget● Operatingcosts:4,000.00€Besidestostaffmemberswithintheadministrationtosupporttheyouthparliement,itisprovidedwithabudgetofitsown.● Communicationcosts:2,500.00€Theyoungpeoplemostlydotheirowncommunication.Electionsaresupportedbythecityandtheprojectasawholeiscommunicatedviacityplatforms.● TotalBudget:6,500.00€
FundingNA
ProgrammeYear IntegrationTheJuPawillbeinvitedtobepartofthepreperationaswellastheoperationoftheprogrammeyear.Theworkoftheparliamentwillbedisplayedineventsandthecampaignduringtheyearanditsmembersandtheirpositionswilldelivervaluableinputinframingtheprogrammeyear.TheyearalsooffersagreatchancetoconnectourJuPamembersevenmoreinternationallyandstrengthenEuropeanyouthnetworking.
DemocracydimensionEmpowerment
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Project2:ColourfulMockauSummer–aMeetingPlaceforEveryone● Type:Event● Timeframe:Permanent● URL:https://www.leipzig.de/bauen-und-wohnen/foerdergebiete/mockau/intigra-realisierte-projekte-in-mockau● [E-MAIL ENTFERNT]/Mockau.Quartiersmanagement
Brief descriptionThe„ColourfulMockauSummer"isafestivalinthedistrictofMockau,adistrictwithmanychallenges.In2023,ithasbeenorganisedforthefifthyearinarowbyapprox.30institutionsandoperators.TheeventisorganisedbytheCityofLeipzigtogetherwiththedistrict-relatednetworkINTIGRA.Theobjectiveiscreatingacross-generationalandcross-culturalmeetingpointtosupplementthelocallylackingculturaloffers.Theeventisstrengtheningsocial-culturaloffers,bringingintemporaryofferstoMockauandisaimingtostabilisesaidoffersinthelongterminthedistrict.Theprogrammeincludesculturalandartisticoffers(livemusic,exhibitions,workshops),communitystrengtheningandidentityofthedistrict(communitybreakfast,explorationofthedistrict),adayacrossschoolsinthedistrict(footballtournament,creativeoffers,politicaleducation)andparticipation,aswellasinformationtorelevanttopics(flightandmigration,districtdevelopment).
DetaileddescriptionThe“ColourfulMockauSummmer”isadistrictfestivalinthedistrictLeipzig-Mockau.Itwilltakeplaceforthesixthyearinarowin2023forfourdays(FridaytoMonday).Itisorganisedbyapprox.30institutionsandoperators.Theconceptforthe“BunteMockauerSommer”wascreatedin2018withintheINTIGRAnetworkwhichcombinestheeffortsandoffersofdifferentmunicipaloffices,socialorganisations,schools,library,associations,JobcenterLeipzigandpoliticalrepresentativesforthedistrictofMockau.Themainobjectiveofthefestivalistocreatealow-thresholdmeetingplaceforallresidentsofMockauwhichwaslackingsofar.Thefewalreadyexistingsocio-culturalandinformativeofferscreatetheframeworkforfacilitatingcontactandexchangebetweenneighboursaswellasbetweendifferentpopulationgroups.Atthesametime,alreadyexistingoffersofnumerousinstitutionsandassociationfromthiscommunityaremademorewidelyknownandnewoffersarecreatedbytheparticipants.Inaddition,theeventfosterssocialdialogueandparticipationculturebyofferingaplatformforparticipationformatsandofferstakingupsociallyrelevanttopics.Thecontinuityoftheeventstrengthensandenablelocalactorstotakeonmoretasksandbydoingsoassumeownershipforthe“BunteMockauerSommer”inamedium-termprocess.Thispromisingtrendisemergingmoreandmore.Thetargetgroupsarechildrenandadolescents,families,seniorcitizensandtheinhabitantsintheirentiretyregardlessoftheirsocialoreducationalstatus,migrantbackground,age,religion,etc.Childrenandadolescentsareaddressedbythedayacrossschoolsaswellasbycreativeandculturaloffers(e.g.theatreoffers,Miniworkshops,interactiveexhibitions).Duetoconstructionsworksontheoldvenueofthe“BunterMockauerSommer”whichstartedin2022,theeventmovedtoanotheropenareainthedistrictwhereitcanprofitfromtheproximitytotheconstructionplaygroundFuxbauopenedin2022(jointactivities,temporaryinterlockingofbothareas).Theareaisprovidedatnocostforthedurationofthedistrictfestivalbythe“LeipzigerWohnungs-undBaugesellschaft(LWB)(municipalhousingcompany).Manyotheractorsdotheirpartbyprovidingtheirtimeandmaterialresources.Themilestonesforimplementingtheeventareorganisationalplanning,publicrelationsanddevelopmentoftheeventprogrammeaswellasreflectionandevaluation.Theeventisfundedfromvarioussourcesanddependsonmunicipalfunding.TheleadingDepartmentofResidence,BuildingandUrbanDevelopmentusescityfundsandsubsidiesfromtheUrbanDevelopmentSupportprogramme,theculturaldepartmentsupportstheeventwithcityfundsandtheparticipatingactors’owncontributionsareanotherimportantpartinfinancingtheevent.Mockauisdefinedasafocusareaforintegratedurbandevelopmentintheupdatedintegratedurbandevelopmentapproach(INSEK).ThedistrictfestivalcontributessignificantlytothegoalsdefinedintheINSEKfor“Socialissues,educationandculture”.InFebruary2022,anurbandevelopmentconcept(STEK)forthedistrictofMockau2030+wasresolvedanditalsoincludespromotingculturalofferslocatednearby,stimulatingthedistrictwithmobileandtemporaryofferaswellasanchoringandlinkingsocial,(inter-)culturalandsocialculturaloffers.
ContributionTheMockauColourfulSummercreatesameetingplatformforahighlydiversegroupofpeopleinainafocusdistrictwithmanychallenges.Theprojectwillalsotakepartduringtheprogrammeyear.Itservesasabeaconforcommunitywork,asitwasmainlycreatedbythepeopleoftheneigbourhood, who,workingcloselytogetherwirththecityadministration,managetobringpeopletogether.Thefestivalandthenetworksformedaroundit,createabasisforfurthercommunication,engagementsandprojectplanning.
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Target group(s)Theprojecttargetsallthedistricts'residents,regardlessofthesocialoreducationalstatus,migrantbackground,age,religion,etc.Selectedofferstarget(young)adultsand/orseniorcitizensespecially.Childrenandadolescentsareaddressedbythedayacrossschoolsaswellasbycreativeandculturaloffers.Intotal,thereareabout1,500attendees.theprojectprofitedfromtheexperienceswithcityworkshopsinUkraineandcanbeimplementedinotherregions.
CollaborationTomakesureitisaninclusiveandfairproject,allinhabitantsareofferedalow-thresholdaccess.Theeventoffersareatnocostinordertoreducefinancialbarriersandhelpeverybodytoparticipate.Inaddition,varietyandinclusivityareafocalpointduringtheplanningprocess.Anumberofcultural,musicalandintergenerationaloffersarepreparedtocoverthemostinteressesandneeds.Thismakespeoplefromdifferentbackgroundsandagesfeelinvitedandhelpsthemparticipate.CooperatingwithdifferentactorsandinstitutionsfromtheINTIGRA-network(e.g.schools,library,associations,socialinstitutions,departments,politicalrepresentatives)offersawideparticipationandinclusionofdifferentperspectives.
TheprojectisimplementedintheMockaudistrictwhichisdefinedasafocuspointforurbandevelopmentintheintegratedurbandevelopmentapproach“Leipzig2030”duetoitssocio-economicchallenges.
CommunicationTheprojectiscommunicatedanalogouslyanddigitally.Leafletsandpostersaredistributedtwomonthsout.Twoweeksbeforetheevent,leafletswiththedetailedprogrammearedistributedindistrictinstitutionsandtoapprox.2,000surroundinghouseholds.ThesocialmediachannelsofquartermanagementINTIGRAshareregularupdatesandinstitutionswithintheINTIGRAnetworkalsoshareinformationontheirownchannels.Eventannouncementsareprintedinthecitywidemagazine“Kreuzer”andinthelocalmagazine.Postersonsitefencesandonprominentplacesinthecitypromotetheeventaswell.Inaddition,theeventisadvertisedindifferenttopicalordistrict-relatednetworks.Thevisitornumberandfeedbackarecollectedformonitoringandevaluation.SurveysandevaluationsintheINTIGRAnetworkareusedtodetermineactorsatisfactionandpotentialforimprovement.Analysingsocialmediaactivitiesaslikes,commentsandsharemeasuretheoutreachandresponse.
Project setupTheprojectisimplementedbytheINTIGRAnetwork.TheprojectteamconsistsofemployeesoftheDepartmentofResidence,BuildingandUrbanDevelopmentandofthequartermanagementINTIGRA+.TheDepartmentofResidence,BuildingandUrbanDevelopmentisleadingtheproject.TheofficepartnershipGauly&amp;Volgmann(bgh.)intheirroleassupporterofINTIGRA+coordinatesthepreparationoftheeventandtheapplicationforsubsidies.TheINTIGRAnetworkincludesdifferentmunicipaldepartments(e.g.PublicHealth,Migration/Integration),socialinstitutions,schools,library,associations,JobcenterLeipzigandpoliticalrepresentatives.TheactorsoftheINTIGRAnetworkareresponsibleforthepreparationoftheirownoffersandhelpwithfindingsupportingprogrammepoints,acquiringpartners,publicrelationsandassemblyanddismantling.
DescriptionItisaprojectmainlysupportedbycivilsocietyactors,seeprojectsetup.
Budget● Planningcosts:7,000.00€approx.250workinghoursareprovidedtoplantheproject.Additionally,asmallbudget(seebelow)isprovidedtoincludelocalactorsintheplanningprocess.● Operatingcosts:13,500.00€Costsforoperatingthefestival,consistingofsubsidiesandownfundsoftheDepartmentofResidence,BuildingandUrbanDevelopment.● Operatingcosts:1,500.00€Foradvertisingandcommunicatingthefestival.● TotalBudget:22,000.00€
FundingNA
ProgrammeYear integrationTheprojectwillalsotakepartduringtheprogrammeyear. Asabeaconofcommunityworkinaverychallengeddistrict,itwillprovidethechanceforinternationalexchange.
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DemocracydimensionParticipation
Project3:HARDWAREFORFUTURE(H4F)● Type:Bestpractice● Timeframe:Permanent● URL:https://hardwareforfuture.de/
Brief descriptionHardwareforFutureenableskidsandfamilymemberswitheconomicallydisadvantagedtohavethereownIT-devicesforfreetoe.g.takepartinhomeschoolingorotherschoolactivitiesthatrequirehardware.OntheothersideunusedbutfunctionalIThardwareisreusedaslongaspossibletofostertheconceptofcirculareconomyandLeipzigsambitiontobecomeaZero-WasteCity.
DetailedDescriptionIn2019theCityofLeipzigendorsedtheso-called„ClimateEmergency“(Klimanotstand)incl.asetofimmediatemeasurestoreducedGHGemissionssignificantly.Oneofthemeasureswas„HardwareforFuture“tofostertheconceptofcirculareconomybycollecting,reparingandredistributionofoutdated/un-usedIT-hardware.Especiallychildrenandstudentscomingfromadifficultsocialbackgroundshouldbenefitfromtheredistributon.DuetotheCOVID-19pandemic,asofMarch2020,allchildrenandparentshadtocopewiththedemandsofhomeschoolingresultingfromschoolclosures.Unequal(learning)conditionsforstudentsfromeconomicallydisadvantagedfamiliesintensifiedandbecamemoreevidentinthissituation.Adecisivechallengewasoftenthelackofacomputer(ofone'sown).
ThosechallengesarenotuniquetoLeipzigs‘citizensbutcanbefoundinvariouscontexts.ThisiswhytherearealreadynumourusprojectsinGermanythatfollowtheapproachofHardwareforFuture(seehere:https://heyalter.com/).
Theprojectisconnectedtoparticipation,sustainabilityandtechnology.
ContributionTheprojectprovidespeoplewiththemeanstopartakedigitallyandthereforereducesbarriersasithelpstoreachpeoplewhoareotherwiserestrictedfromparticipating.Itfurthermoreaddstotheaimtoincreasesustainabilityandawarenessfortheadvantagesofdigitalization.
Target group(s)HardwareforFutureenableskidsandfamilymemberswitheconomicallydisadvantagedtohavethereownIT-devicesforfree.Theideaisandcanbeappliedinothercountriesorregion,see:https://heyalter.com/
CollaborationInitially,therecipientsofthedonationsweremainlystudentsfromschoolsinsociallydeprivedareas.TechnologydonationscontinuetogotoLeipzigfamilieswhohaveimmigrated.In2021,therewasacooperationwithNGOCaritasandthehardwarewasdistributedviatheirownfamily(neighbourhood)centersaroundtown.Anadditionalspendingfocusin2022wasfamilies(e.g.,fromArabcountries)whoaretakinglanguagecoursesandtryingtomeettherequirementsforwork.SinceMarch2022,H4FhasalsobeenprovidingassistancetopeoplecomingtoLeipzigfromUkraineaspartofthecomputertransferprogram.Ingeneral,thedemand(over8,800individualrequestsasof03/2023)exceedsthenumberofdonateddevices(approximately2,750devicesasof03/2023)leadingtoover2.500handedoutdevices(currentfigurescanbefoundhere:https://hardwareforfuture.de/).
In2022,theprojectreceivedtheSpecialPrizeofthestate-ownSaxonDigitalAward.
CommunicationWecommunicatetheprojectviacrossmedialcommunicationaswellasdirectlyinschoolssinceMarch2020.
Project setupTheassociationdezentralee.V.organizestheentirerequest,processing,andissuingprocessaroundthedonationtechnology.TheDigitalCityunitsupportstheassociation'sactivitieswithfundingandbycoordinatingwiththeproject'sotherpartners.Fromtheverybeginning,theMediaEducationCenter/OfficeforSchools)andLecosGmbH(ITserviceproviderofthecityofLeipzig)havebeeninvolvedastechnologysponsorsandpartners.TheoffertoreceiverefurbishedPCsandnotebookswascommunicatedtotheschoolsbytheMPZ/OfficeforSchools.
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AMemorandumofUnderstanding(MoU)wassignedinsummer2021toensurethecontinuationoftheproject.Theso-calledallianceofthewillingconsistsofHeikoRosenthalaspatron,mayorandcouncillorfortheenvironment,climate,orderandsports,theassociationdezentralee.V.,theDigitalCityunitofthecityofLeipzig,theMediaEducationCenterintheDepartmentofSchoolsandDigitization,andLecosGmbH.
DescriptionSeeprojectsetup.
Budget
● Operatingcosts:90,000.00€Thecostscannotbedisplayedinseparatedly.Bythenamedamount,alscosts(planning,comunication,operationaswellasplannedformatsduringtheprogrammeyear)arecovered.● TotalBudget:90,000.00€
FundingNA
ProgrammeYear IntegrationIntheprogramyearofECoD2025inLeipzig,wewillorganizeanH4Fcommunityeventwithcoursesincoding,hackathonsandlecturesondigitaltechnologiesanddigitalrightsforcitizensinLeipzig.
DemocracydimensionTechnology
Project4:CitizensAssembly:“LeipzigParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”
● Type:Tool● Timeframe:One-off● StartDate:20/04/2023● EndDate:31/03/2024● URL:https://www.leipzig.de/news/news/beteiligungsrat-gemeinwohl-erstmals-startet-ein-aufsuchendes-losverfahren-in-leipzig
Brief descriptionThe“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”wasthefirstcitizens’assemblycommissionedbythecitycouncilofLeipzig. Amongthe50participantswere30adultsdrawnbylotfromtheresidentregisterand20studentsfromdifferentschools.Infourmeetings,theydiscussedthequestionhowcivicinvolvementforthecommongoodcouldbeenhancedandpromoted.Theassemblyworkedonrecommendationstowardsthecitycouncil.Inordertomaketheprocessastransparentandcredibleaspossible,thecitycouncilhadalsopassedaproject-relatedcharter,givingthespeakingrighttotheparticipantsduringapublicsittingofthecitycouncilandmadesurethattherewouldbeareportaboutthefurtherutilizationofthecitizens’recommendations.
DetaileddescriptionThecitizens’assembly“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”isthefirstofitskindtobecommissionedbythecitycouncil,decidedbytheCitycouncilan20thApril2023.50participantsdiscussedtogetherhowcivicinvolvementforthecommongoodcouldbeenhancedandpromoted.Theresultwasacatalogueofrecommendationstowardstheelectedrepresentatives.Therecommendationswillbepresentedpubliclyinasessionofthecitycouncil.Therewillfurthermorebeareportabouttheutilizationofthecitizens’recommendations.
Lotfromtheresidentsregisterrecruitedtheadultparticipantsforthe“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”.Theexperienceofothercitiesandassembliesshows,however,thataround90%ofpeoplewhoareinviteddonotrespondorregisterforcitizens’assemblies.Thisiswhyweextendedthewritteninvitationwithpersonalvisitsincasepeopledidnotrespondtotheletter.Indoingso,wecouldnotonlymotivatemorepeopletoparticipatebutwealsolearnedalotaboutreasonsforthelackofparticipationorresponseofpeople.Theteenageparticipantswererecruitedthroughthecooperationwithdifferentlocalschoolsfromdifferentschoolformsalloverthecity.Someoftheschoolsalsoappliedthelotteryasarecruitmentmeasuretoactiveadiversegroupofpeople.
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Thecitizens’assemblytookplaceatfourdifferentwheelchairaccessibleplacesinthecityofLeipzig.Fromthebeginning,supportmeasuresliketranslation,childcareordrivingservicewereofferedandarelevantnumberofparticipantsneededthesupportinordertoparticipateatall(e.g.translationto/fromGermansignlanguage).Professionalfacilitatorsguidedthediscussionsinallsessions.Avarietyofmethodswasusedtomakethediscussionsasinterestingandinclusiveaspossible.
Theparticipantsdiscussedtheissueofcommongoodandthecivicinvolvementforcommongoodinparticular.Theycollectedresourcesandbarriersforgettinginvolvedfromdifferentexperientialbackgrounds.Theparticipantslearnedaboutactivitiestoenableandpromotecivicinvolvementforcommongoodthatarealreadythereonthepartofthepublicadministrationaswellascivilsocietyorganizations.Theycarvedoutrelevantlacksofinformationconcerningthoseactivities.Theparticipantslearnedaboutresearchoncommongoodanddiscussedthequestionwhatcivicinvolvementcouldorshouldcontributetocommongood.Theyalsodiscussedthedistributionofresponsibilitybetweeninhabitants,politics,administration,companies,media,etc.Basedonallthat,theparticipantsformulatedrecommendationstowardstheseniormajorandthecitycouncilhowtopromotecivicinvolvementforcommongoodinLeipzig.
ContributionThe“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”contributestothemissionstatementbecauseofitstopicanditsform.Theissueofcommongoodandthescopeofactionfordifferentactorsisakeyissueforasustainableanddemocraticfutureinthegrowingcitythatbenefitsthemanyandnotonlysome.Asaformofparticipation,citizens’assemblieshavethepotentialtostrengthenrepresentativedemocracyandfosterdemocraticcultureinsociety.Particularfeaturesoftheprojectare:thechartermakingtheparticipationtransparentandreliable;therecruitmentbylotteryandbypersonalvisitandthusreducingself-selection;theequalparticipationofyouthandadultstogetheraswellasextensivereductionofparticipationbarriers.Theexperiencesgainedduringthisprojectwillbebecomethebasisfordevelopingournextprojects,alsoregardingtheprogrammeyear.Duringtheyear,theresultsofthefirstassemblyandtheirimplementationwillbepubliclydiscussed.
Target group(s)Theprojecttargetedadiversegroupofadultsandyoungpeoplefromallovertown.thoughonly50peopleparticipated,connectingtheprojecttothecitycouncil,itaffectsthecityasawhole.
Citizens’assemblyasaformatisdefinitelyapplicableinotherscontexts.The“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”canalsobeappliedtoothercontextsastheissueoffindingdemocraticwaysforasustainablefutureforallareimportantallovertheglobe.
CollaborationInconductingthe“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”weputanextraeffortinreducingbarriersofdifferentkindinallphasesofthecitizens’assembly.Thisenabledmanypeopletoparticipatewhocouldnothavedonesootherwise,e.g.becauseoflanguagebarriersorcarework.Weusedadiverserangeofmethodstopromotedifferentwaysofexpressiontoenableallparticipantstotakepartintheprocess.
WereachedparticipantsfromallbutonedistrictsofLeipzig(thiswaspartlyduetotherandomsampleandthedifferentnumbersofinvitedpersonsperdistrict).Weconductedthecitizens’assemblyindifferentdistrictsandtypesoflocations–inthecentreandmoreintheperiphery–inordertomakeitacitywideprojectandnotfocusonthecitycentre.SurroundingareasofLeipzigwerenotaddressedorinvolved.
CommunicationFromthesessionofthecitycouncilinwhichthe“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”wasdecidedinApril2023tothepublicpresentationoftherecommendationsinSeptember2023,therewereandwillberegularmediapostsonthecitywebsiteandsocialmediachannels.TherewasapressconferencewiththeministerofstatefromSaxonyaswellasthemajorofLeipzigresponsiblefordemocracybeforethestartofthecitizens’assembly.TherewillbedifferentreportsontheprojectbasedoninterviewswiththeteamoftheDepartmentaswellastheparticipantsbydifferentmediachannels.
Therewillbeanexternalevaluationoftheproject’simpact.TheevaluationcontainsananonymoussurveyfortheparticipantsfromtheUniversityofLeipzigaswellastheobservationbyanexternalevaluatorduringmeetingsofthecitizens’assembly.
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Project setupTheprojectwasconductedbythestaffoftheDepartmentforDemocracyandSocialCohesion.Colleaguesfromotherdepartmentsofthepublicadministrationsupportedtheprojectduringthepreparationphase(e.g.workinggroupinclusion)andwhengivingtheparticipantsanoverviewaboutexistingactivitiesforpromotingcivicinvolvementforthecommongood.Somecolleaguessupportedtheprojectasfacilitatorsofworkinggroupsduringthemeetings.Forfacilitationaswellasprocessdesign,wecooperatedwithfreelancefacilitatorsfromLeipzig.
TheRoundTableonCommonGoodwasanotherexternalpartnerintheproject,asinitiatorofthe“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”aswellasaplatformfortheparticipantstopresentandexchangewithlocalleadersabouttheirrecommendations.
DescriptionThepublicadministrationofLeipzigcurrentlyworksonastrategyforcivicinvolvement.Thedevelopmentofthestrategyinvolvestwopillars:theneedsassessmentfromwithinthepublicadministrationaswellasfromthecivilsociety.Forthelatter,civilsocietyorganizationsareincharge.Therecommendationsofthe“ParticipationCouncilonCommonGood”holdreadyimportantinsightsandideasforthepromotionofcivicinvolvement.Thus,therewillbeanintensiveexchangebetweenthecivilsocietyorganizationsandrepresentativesfromthecitizens’assemblytomakesurethattheworkoftheassemblyiseffectiveandinfluencescitywidestrategiesforcivicinvolvement.
Budget
● Operatingcosts:59,000.00€theProjectwasplannedbytheofficedemocracywithnoextrabudget.Besidescostsforpersonellsupport(externalmoderation) thebiggestfinancialblockwasspentonbarrierreduction.● TotalBudget:59,000.00€
FundingTheofficefordemocracyandsocialcohesioncouldsuccessfullyraisefundsfromafundingprogrammefromthefederalstateofSaxonytosupporttheprojectwith30.000€(alreadyincludedinthebudgetprovidedabove).
ProgrammeYear integrationTheevaluationoftheproject,aswellestheresultsandtheirimplementationwillbepubliclydiscussedduringtheprogrammeyear.WewilltakethispilotgointotheexchangewithourtEuropeanpartners,onhowaparticipationmethodbasedonlotterycanusedinawaytosupportrepresentativelocaldemocracy.
DemocracydimensionEmpowerment
Project5:"YearofDemocracy2018–You.We.Leipzig.”
● Type:InformationCampaign● Timeframe:One-off● StartDate:17/05/2018● EndDate:14/03/2019● URL:https://www.leipzig.de/buergerservice-und-verwaltung/buergerbeteiligung-und-einflussnahme/leipzig-weiter-denken/beteiligen/jahr-der-demokratiehttps://static.leipzig.de/fileadmin/mediendatenbank/demokratie-leipzig-de/DU_WIR_LEIPZIG/Downloads/Demokratiebroschure-Web.pdf
Brief descriptionTopromotedemocraticvaluesandengagement,Leipziginitiateda"YearofDemocracy"in2018.Theobjectivewastoraiseawarenessaboutexistingdemocraticprocesses,toencouragenewideasforaharmonioussocietyandfosterlocaldemocraticengagement.28projectsfromdiversefieldsweresupported,includingsports,culture,andsocialissues.Associationsandinitiativesimplementedtheseprojectstofosterdemocraticinteraction.Localpoliticalinstitutionsalsoplayedasignificantrole.Leipzig'seffortswererecognizedasafinalistfor"TheInnovationPoliticsAward2019."
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DetaileddescriptionBasedonaresolutionoftheLeipzigCityCouncil,theaimforthethematicyearwastostrengthendemocraticvaluesingeneralandtoraiseawarenessforexistingoptionsforparticipatinginlocaldemocracyinLeipzig.InOctober2016,thecitycouncildecidedfortheyearofdemocracy.InJuneandAugustof2017,twopreparationmeetingstookplaceduringwhichactorsofcitypoliticsandurbansocietydiscussedthefocusandorganisationoftheyear.Akeyissuepaperprovidedthebaseforplanninganditwasworkedonfurtherbythedifferentworkgroups.About80peopleparticipatedinthepreparationmeetings.InFebruary2018,thetenderdocumentswerepublished–onthewebsiteoftheyearofdemocracy,intheofficialjournalandinothermediaaswell.Projectideasweretobehandedinuntil14thMarch2018.Atotalof131proposalswerereceivedbytheyear’sprojectteam.Afteraformalreview,13smallerprojectswereselectedbythemunicipalmonitoringcommitteetogetherwiththeextendedmonitoringcommitteeofthestrategy“Leipzig.OrtderVielfalt”(Leipzig.APlaceofDiversity).Thefivebigprojectsweredecidedbythemunicipalmonitoringcommittee.TheDivisionforInternationalCooperationoftheCityofLeipzigdecidedontheteninternationalprojects.Theprojectswerechosenaccordingtothefocalpointscooperation,experienceandvisibility,innovationandreachingnewtargetgroups.Intotal,28projectsshowinghowdemocracycanlooklikeandbelivedweresupported.
TheprogrammeoftheYearofDemocracywasmadeupbyfourareas:
1. LivingdemocracyintherepresentativedemocracyinLeipzigTheinstrumentsoflocaldemocracyaretobeoutfittedbetterandtobemademoreaccessible.Amongthesearelocalpoliticalbodieslikedistrictcouncils,theyouthparliamentwhoactasdirectcontactpartnersfortheinhabitants.Theaimwastoprovideknowledgeaboutthelocalrepresentativedemocracyandtobreakdownbarrierstoparticipationwithprojectsandapproachesorientedtothetargetgroup(e.g.byshowingspecialpoliticalformsofdiscussions).2. LivingdemocracyineverydayliveDemocracylivesfromcitizenparticipation.Thatmakesitevenmoreimportanttowidelycommunicatetheexisting,well-establishedapproachesaswellastogonewways.3. LivingdemocracyininternationalexchangesLeipzigasacivilcityhasbeenanambassadorfordemocracysincetheAutumnof89.Today,strengtheningdemocracyisanimportanttopicthroughoutEuropewherewecanlearnalotfromeachotherandtogether.Here,wecanusethewellestablishedtiestoourtwinningtownsandtourbannetworkslikeEUROCITIES.4. LivingdemocracyatspecialplacesandspacesoflocaldemocracyDemocracyneedsspaceswherepeoplecanlistenandbelistenedtoandwherenewthingsarecreatedbyexchangingideas.Thereforeacentralplaceforinformationandparticipationwascreatednexttothetownhall.Itisusedtocollectvariousoffersforinformationandparticipationinonecentralplaceinthecitycentreandtoinformthepublicabouturbanplanning.
TheYearofDemocracywascoordinatedandimplementedbythefollowingparties:
● Themunicipalmonitoringcommittee● Districtcouncils● Youthparliament● 194associations,initiativesandorganisations
ContributionBuildingontheexperiencesourcitymadeduringtheYearofDemocracywecreatecontinuancebetweentheprojectyearof2018andtheECoDprogrammeyearin2025.Whilein2018thefocuslayoninformationandcommunicationwecannowusefeedbackandlessonslearntomoveontoaprogrammeyearinwhichwewillfocusonparticipationanempowerment.Theexperiencesof2018addtothebackboneofourdemocraticambitionsforthefuture.
Target group(s)ThethematicyearaimedtoengageallcitizensofLeipzig,especiallythosewhotypicallydon'tparticipateinlocaldemocracy,knownas"silentgroups."Toensureinclusivity,projectsweredesignedtobeadaptabletoindividualcircumstances,oftentakingplaceinpublicspacesoroutdoors.These28projectsinvolvednumerousdisseminators,expandingtheirreachtoawideraudience.Severalprojectstargetedespecialleyyoungpeopletoraiseanearlyawarenessfordemocraticprocesses.
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CollaborationTheimplementationoftheYearofDemocracywasbasedonacomprehensiveparticipationprocess,includingtwopublicpreparationmeetingswithpoliticsandcivilsociety.Theobjectivesweretoincorporateexistingcitizenideasanddevelopnewapproachestoenhancedemocraticvaluesinsociety.Theprocessencouragedindividuals,associations,andbusinessestoproposeprojectideaswithalowparticipationthresholdandwithouttherequirementofself-financing.Personaloutreachwasmadetoengageskepticsofdemocracy,whiletrust-buildinginitiativestargetedunderrepresentedgroups,suchasindividualswithdiverseabilitiesandwomen'spoliticalparticipation.
CommunicationThethematicyearwascommunicatedpubliclythroughavarietyofcommunicationchannels.Inadditiontoleaflets,newsletters,pressreleasesandawebsite,postercampaignshowingcitizensofLeipzigwithpositivestatementsaboutdemocracywereused.ThepostercampaignwastomakeLeipzig’scitizensthinkandtohighlightexistingoptionsforpoliticalparticipation.Inaddition,informationmedialikearoll-up-exhibitioninformedaboutthedifferentactors,tasksandprocessesinthelocalrepresentativedemocracy.Acreativeandinnovativeapproachtocommunicatethethematicyearwascreatedwithacargobikewhichactedasaneyecatcherduringeventsandwasusedtodistributefreeinformationmaterialaboutthelocaldemocracy,orthe”democracytram”presentingselectivemotivesofthecampaignonitssurfaces.
Duringtheclosingeventtheyear,itsimplementationandresultswereopenlydiscussed.
Project setupTheDepartmentforGeneralAdministrationholdtheoverallresponsibilityfortheyearofdemocracy.Thecoordinationunitforcitizenparticipationandcivicengagement“Leipzigweiterdenken”fromtheDepartmentofUrbanDevelopmentandConstructionwastaskedwithprocessorganisationandimplementation.
Inaddition,amunicipalmonitoringcommitteewasinvolvedinthepreparation.Everygrouprepresentedinthecitycouncilatthetimenamedarepresentative.Thefollowingpoliticalgroupswereinvolved:CDU,DieLinke,SPD,Bündnis90/DieGrünen,AfDandFreibeuter.Therepresentativeactivelysupportedtheprojectsandcampaignsintheyearofdemocracy2018aswell.
DescriptionLocalassociations,initiativesandinstitutionswerepartoftheplanningaswellastheimplementationprocessoftheYearofDemocracy.AccompagniedandsupportedbytheCity,themajoritiesoftheconcreteprojectswasimplementedbycivilsociety.
Budget
● Communicationcosts:215,000.00€MultipleCommunicationmethodsinpreparationofandduringtheprojectyear.● Operatingcosts:500,000.00€Thecitycouncilallocated500,000EURforplanningandimplementingthethematicyear.Thefundsmadeavailablein2018wereinlargepartusedtosupport(local)democracyprojectsinthesameyear.270,000EURwereallocatedtosupportatotalof28selectedprojects.● Operatingcosts:15,000.00€Inadditiontothepersonnelcostsfortheadministrativeemployeesinvolved,costswereallocatedforprojectmanagement.● TotalBudget:730,000.00€
FundingNA
ProgrammeYear integrationTheinformationandexperiencesgained,methodsusedandlessonslearnedduringtheprojectyear2018providethebackboneofourpreparationforaprogrammeyear2025.
DemocracydimensionParticipation
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Projectideas
Project idea 1: “Third Spaces” – Spaces for culture, people and ideas
Challenge
The complex crises we face trigger fears and a loss of trust in democratic institutions, leading to societal
divisions. The Municipal Citizen Survey 2021 revealed declining social cohesion in Leipzig. To address this,
projects are needed to strengthen cohesion and empower citizens. The municipal adult education centre
has been successful in promoting democratic education through the "Civil Rights.Academy" since 2015.
Currently, cultural and educational facilities are increasing their efforts to enhance citizens' self-efficacy and
encourage active participation. These facilities aim to become "Third Spaces," providing meeting and
activation spaces away from work and personal life, fostering exchange and community support. Leipzig
seeks creative solutions to these challenges, which are not unique to the city.
Solution
The Idea is to create a citizen-shaped open space. It offers a free area for citizens, associations, and
initiatives to develop projects, share ideas, and find partners. Citizens can book the room easily through a
webtool without providing detailed information. This was tested with the “Leipzig Room” in one library. Due to
its success, the concept will be expanded: The "LanguageRoom" provides language learning materials,
workspace, and self-organized meetings for people of diverse backgrounds. The Leipzig Municipal Libraries
have a network of 16 locations planning to gradually implement the LeipzigRoom concept citywide. The
municipal museums, including the Stadtgeschichtliche Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Grassimuseum, and
Natural History Museum, will offer free access to their permanent exhibitions starting in 2024. This decision
elevates cultural participation and creates new learning and participation opportunities. Offering free access
and creating rooms attached to cultural sites, sets Leipzig apart, emphasizing the commitment to community
spaces and fostering democratic testing in response to recent crises.
Impact
The Leipzig Municipal Libraries and Museums are accessible to everyone during opening hours, including
local residents and city visitors. The libraries attract approximately 1.2 million visitors and 45,000 event
participants annually. Opening these institutions and transforming them into meeting places is expected to
further increase visitor numbers.
The 2017 Municipal Citizen Survey revealed that 31% of Leipzig's residents visited the Municipal Libraries
for events, 28% for reading and working, and 11% for computer access. The survey, along with user
requests during the development of the "LeipzigRoom" and the high demand for the "LeipzigRoom" and
"LanguageRoom," highlights the need for libraries to become communal spaces in times of social
uncertainty.
In the 2020 Municipal Citizen Survey, a majority of Leipzig's citizens (77%) expressed agreement with free
access to permanent museum exhibitions. Younger age groups were particularly supportive, with 86% of 25-
to 34-year-olds and 92% of 18- to 24-year-olds in favor. Almost half of the respondents (49%) stated that
they would visit the museums more frequently if entry were free. Once again, younger individuals
demonstrated the highest interest in visiting museums if they were free (61% of 25- to 34-year-olds and 74%
of 18- to 24-year-olds). These findings indicate that reducing access barriers, such as entry fees, can attract
more visitors and transform museums into "Third Spaces."
Implementation
A visitor survey in 2016 shaped the development of the Leipzig Municipal Libraries into "Third Spaces." The
"pay how much you want" pilot project was implemented in 2017, followed by extensive discussions in 2019.
The implementation of the entry free of charge, scheduled for 2024, depends on city council resolutions and
democratic negotiations.
Citizens, associations, and initiatives actively participated in the conception of piloting the "Leipzig Room"
and "LanguageRoom." Workshops provided opportunities for introducing requests, ideas, and suggestions,
which were implemented to a large extent. The "LeipzigRoom" project was initially funded by the German
Federal Cultural Foundation in 2019/2020 and is now financially supported by the Leipzig Municipal
Libraries. The success with citizens and the interest from the professional community inspire further
development of the library as a space for intercultural exchange and self-activity. Expansion to all locations
and the inclusion of new topics, such as health, climate, and STEM, are now the goal.
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Since 2023, the Leipzig Municipal Libraries have focused their offers and work processes on the 17
sustainability goals. Education for sustainable development is prioritized, with findings being put into
practice. The next step is expanding the "LeipzigRoom" concept each of our districts.
Support
The projects “LeipzigRoom” and “LanguageRoom” are already piloted. The next step is an expansion 
regarding location and contents. The project is funded with budgetary resources of the City of Leipzig and 
supported by partners and citizens.
The implementation of entry free of charge for the permanent exhibitions of the Leipzig Municipal Museums 
was decided by the city council on 19th April 2023 – which brings the necessary financial security for the 
project which is supposed to start in 2024.
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Democracy dimension: Community
Project idea 2: Strategic Blackout Planning – making the city crisis proof.
Together
Challenge
The challenge we face is the preservation of a free, democratic, and socially fair urban society under 
dramatic restrictions of basic services, communication and information. These challenges are not unique to 
Leipzig; they occur when people are forced to face extreme situations. In a situation of a black-out 
established control mechanisms of city and state for distributing reduced resources are missing, due to lack 
of communication and information. In addition, access to vital resources and services is impaired or 
impossible. What is unique is our approach to meet these challenges: no quick decisions made from above 
but preparing the citizens to be a part of the process so that they have a sense of collective responsibility and 
knowledge about possible actions in a crisis. This project is connected with community, empowerment and 
participation.
Solution
The unique selling point of our approach is that the city will only act as moderator and guidance for the basic 
management and implementation during the planning phase. During the acute phase, the citizens are 
essentially left to their own devices thanks to their own planning, organisation and preparation. The City 
administration helps preventively to develop structures and plans how to distribute resources based on a 
multilevel system. In doing so, the citizens decide how to prepare and implement ideas due to their 
involvement. The city acts as an advisor and offers infrastructures and the municipal framework planning. 
With this moderated, joint planning we create a sense identification, prevent feeling helpless when facing 
coming crises and encourage solidarity and joint action. If the citizens decide against participating in this 
project, they will miss out on the possibility of participation and influence regarding the municipal planning. 
They will also miss out on getting to know mutual competences and support possibilities and how to use 
them in a crisis.
Impact
The citizens will use the municipal and own planning results in a time of
 crisis, viz. in case of blackout. The 
instruments developed in the project have to potential to be used during other crises to mitigate the effects 
(cyber-attack, pandemic, military conflict / state of defence).  All citizens of the City of Leipzig benefit from 
this project. A risk analysis of potential threats shows the necessity of this project.
Implementation
The citizens are approached by a special sub-working group / planning group of the Department of 
Democracy and Societal Cohesion in order to channel and to moderate civic involvement. At this stage, it is 
difficult to determine whether the project in its current scope can be implemented within the existing budget 
constraints. Yet, current data shows that this may to be possible. The next step will be commissioning 
concrete plans and concepts for crisis response of the respective Departments of the City administration, 
determining the municipal priorities, efforts and financial needs as well as harmonising the commissioned 
priority individual plans and concepts.
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Support
The project needs project management and support, different forms of citizen participation, communication 
and participation platforms, funding (etc.).  Exchanging experiences with other municipalities will help with 
the successful implementation of the project.
Images:N/A
Democracy dimension: Community
Project idea 3: Smart City Lab Leipzig
Challenge
1. Not all citizens have equal access to digital technologies or reliable internet connectivity. This digital
divide can exclude marginalized groups of population and low-income individuals from participating
fully in the digital transformation. Digital transformation has the potential to exacerbate existing social
inequalities.
2. Many citizens lack the necessary digital skills and knowledge to effectively navigate and utilize digital
technologies. This includes basic computer literacy, understanding online safety and privacy, using
digital tools for communication and collaboration, and being able to critically evaluate online
information.
3. As citizens engage more with digital services and platforms, there are increased risks related to
privacy and security.
4. Reliance on digital services can create challenges when there are technical glitches, system failures,
or cyberattacks.
5. As technology advances, citizens face ethical dilemmas and legal challenges associated with its use.
Solution
Not all citizens have equal access to digital technologies or reliable internet connectivity. This challenge is
particularly pronounced as the proportion of low-income households in Leipzig is particularly high compared
to other German cities. This can be seen, for example, in the average disposable income in 2020: 20.051
EUR per year in Leipzig and 24.433 per year in Germany. People lose their insecurity when dealing with
digital solutions, recognize their self-efficacy and acquire skills in dealing with digital solutions. If people do
not participate, they miss the chance to be active and creating part of the digital transformation and to
increase their knowledge as resulting side effect. The challenges of digitization can be better addressed
when people with different skills and experiences collaborate in an inspiring environment and develop
innovations. With the Smart City Lab, an ecosystem will be created for stakeholders from academia, the
urban community, and city administration to work together on beneficial solutions for the city of Leipzig.
Impact
CitiIn lectures for example during the Data Week 2025 (example 2023: Data Week Leipzig 2023:
https://www.dataweek.de/en/index.html) , workshops and hackathons we expect 1.500 participants from
urban society per year.zens are invited to attend lectures, participate in hackathons, and test digital services
before we launch them. On the one hand, the need is reflected in the great interest of residents in
participating in hackathons and workshops. At the same time, the number of users of digital services in
Leipzig is still comparatively low. Uncertainty in dealing with digital services is usually given as the reason.
Implementation
With our regular public relations work on the Smart City Lab Leipzig, we aim to inform, inspire, involve and
engage citizens in the long term. Through targeted, multi-channel communication (leipzig.de, social media,
Leipzig App, tram television) and a participatory approach, we can arouse people's interest and clarify the
relevance of the lab for the inhabitants in Leipzig and the region.The project is on scale and can be financed
within the budget.The opening week, which we are combining with Data Week Leipzig, which is taking place
for the fourth time in 2025. We will start the regular program of the Smart City Lab Leipzig with a future
festival with lectures, workshops and hackathons.
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Support
The Smart City Lab will be set up on an existing community with stakeholder from the city administration, 
science, civil society and economy creating the digital transformation in Leipzig already today. The Smart 
City Lab will be the new “home” of this community, an open space which will invite citizens to create the 
future together with us.
Images: N/A
Democracy dimension: Technology
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