Technical Results
The core of the initiative is an open‑source citizen participation platform that serves as an information hub, communication node, and project management tool. Key features implemented include a shared project calendar, real‑time chat, data exchange mechanisms, and a volunteer account system. The platform’s foundation was completed, but further development is required to meet all functional requirements, such as a full project management suite and a voting system for the citizen budget.
Marketing efforts were executed through a 20,000 € budget awarded to the media agency schimomedia. The agency delivered a comprehensive concept and implementation guide, enabling municipal staff to run the campaign independently. The campaign successfully raised awareness of the platform across the entire municipality.
Event coordination, funded with 6,000 €, comprised two launch events, a regional conference, and a closing ceremony. These targeted‑audience events mobilised a large number of citizens, fostering interest and participation in the Future Marketplace.
Financially, the total project cost was 198,240 €, of which 76,600 € were allocated to the municipality. The municipal share was distributed as follows: 25,000 € for personnel, 25,000 € for platform development, 20,000 € for marketing, and 6,000 € for events. A 50 % personnel position (25,000 €) was funded over the project duration, supported by an additional full‑time staff member. The actual workload exceeded initial estimates, especially in platform maintenance and group support, underscoring the necessity of on‑site coordination.
Collaboration and Funding
The municipality’s internal team coordinated all working groups, organised events, maintained the platform, integrated strategic goals into the political process, managed finances, and documented outcomes. The partnership with IfaS provided scientific oversight throughout the development and participation process, while the Future City team offered interdisciplinary guidance to the working groups.
Platform development was awarded to the vendor mindme through a public tender. However, significant scheduling and delivery issues arose, leading to increased effort from municipal staff. In contrast, the marketing contract with schimomedia proceeded smoothly, with the municipality’s staff taking over implementation after the agency’s handover.
Funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) amounted to 76,600 € for the municipality and 121,200 € for IfaS. The municipality also contributed a personnel position and office resources as its equity share. The collaborative model, combining municipal administration, academic research, and private sector expertise, proved essential for the project’s success and is intended to become a permanent fixture in local governance.
Outcomes and Impact
The Future Marketplace now offers residents a transparent platform to propose, discuss, and vote on projects aligned with the 2030+ vision. The open‑source nature of the platform allows other municipalities to adopt and adapt the codebase, promoting wider civic engagement. The marketing campaign and events have cultivated a strong sense of community involvement, while the dedicated personnel position has demonstrated the value of sustained, on‑site facilitation for citizen‑centric initiatives.