Workshop for the Future of Municipalities

Zukunftswerkstatt Kommunen – Attraktiv im Wandel

The “Workshop for the Future of Municipalities (WFM)” was introduced in 2021 in Germany by the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). Implemented at the national level, this project targets all age groups within 40 municipalities, particularly in structurally weak regions. It aims to help municipalities adapt to demographic change and become more attractive for all generations in all phases of life while supporting business development. Key measures include providing external consulting to participating municipalities until the end of 2024 to help them find solutions and develop demographic strategies that also cover integration and take all age groups into account. The project emphasizes the development of concepts to shape the consequences of demographic change in municipalities (neighbourhoods in large cities, towns, communities, districts), to develop concrete factors for attraction and retention, strengthen municipal identity, and integrate people with a migration background into an intact social community. Additionally, concrete projects will be launched, and existing initiatives will be integrated and networked in a meaningful, effective and long-term way. By strengthening municipal identity and creating an inclusive social community, WFM fosters environments where older persons can stay actively engaged and feel valued.