Local policy change

Guided by a concrete vision of a good life in harmony with nature, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life despite all adversities and the fear-mongering perpetuated by the media.

For most people, life takes place beyond their families, in our communities and cities.

In German local authorities, elected representatives are (jointly) responsible for local development, land-use and town planning, the adaptation of infrastructure (water, energy, transport, consumption), childcare, schooling, the promotion of social and cultural life (sport, youth, community life) and the provision of public services. Within the limits of available financial resources, they fulfil their duties for the citizens with a focus on the common good.

Local politics thrives on the commitment of volunteer women and men from civic movements, municipal Constituencies and political parties. In these, citizens and politicians can be found who have thoughts and concerns to make the future, are more or less future-oriented. They can be found within their groups and parties and in the Municipal and city councillors can contribute their ideas for the future, plan for the future, workshops and projects on the future. bring the way.

Experience in Germany shows that this applies in particular to politicians from the Greens, the Left Party and the SPD, some of whom possess considerable knowledge of transformation gained through their professional or academic training, as well as practical experience of implementing such changes in projects.

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In the area of political orientation, this involves encouraging the development of guiding principles, such as those for (energy-)self-sufficient and liveable communities, or for growing communities. With regard to future planning, initiatives such as district development or urban development planning can be encouraged or enriched with contributions. The organisation of future conferences and future workshops promotes citizen participation and, as experience shows, has an inspiring effect and stimulates projects (Jungk & Müllert 1997; Stange 2000; Böttger 2006).

At the beginning of each legislative period, on the basis of municipal regulations or special constitutions, it is possible to: to design municipal participation and decision-making structures; for example, by the municipal council, if necessary associated local advisory councils and youth and senior citizens' advisory councils.

Participatory and transparent policy-making arouses interest in and involvement in local politics. Important Instruments are e.g. Residents' assemblies, participatory procedures, open committee meetings, integrative political style, understanding Political mediation and, if necessary, political mediation and, if necessary, Project facilitation.

Sufficiency and local governance

At the municipal regulatory level, various sub-policy fields can be found in the respective governance structures, which are to be shaped politically.

Relatively new and at the top of the list is the municipal sufficiency policy. Sufficiency is about strategies, measures and instruments, "with which resources can be saved, namely by people changing their behaviour with the intention of: To use energy and raw materials differently and to consume less of them than before." (Kopatz 2016: 7).

Municipal sufficiency policy "provides a framework. It promotes justified limits and makes it clear that an enjoyable life is possible within defined limits. Limits liberate from the schizophrenia between knowledge and action and enable a life in harmony with personal responsibility towards children and future grandchildren.". Justified limits define in laws and ordinances the space "within which sufficient freedom can prevail. The following are also necessary: Guardrails and limits for horsepower, vehicle weight, consumption of household appliances, pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, Residential and commercial areas, runways, etc." (Kopatz 2016: 36).