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Federal funding program ends after three years – many measures successfully implemented
As the city of Griesheim announces, the federal funding program "Sustainable City Centers and Town Centers ," within which the "Griesheim. Inside" has been implemented since summer 2022, will end at the end of November 2025. After three years of intensive work, the city draws a positive conclusion : numerous measures have been implemented, the city center has been revitalized, and the course has been set for sustainable development.
Positive changes in the city center
“We have accomplished a great deal. Since 2022, the city center has mostly changed for the better,” says Jens Kraft , head of the main office of the city of Griesheim. Particularly noticeable are the colorful mobile street furniture , which new places to linger in the city center, and the expansion of the weekly market , which strengthens the social interaction in the heart of the city.
Furthermore, long-term foundations were laid: With concepts and participation formats, the city has developed what can make Griesheim's city center future-proof – from the quality of stay to local trade to climate adaptation.
Support for trade and associations
One focus was on strengthening the retail and hospitality sectors . Consulting services and expert reports were intended to support the local economy. The "Made in Griesheim" , which promotes locally manufactured products, also benefited from the funding.
With the expansion of the weekly market, food vendors, clubs and initiatives gained new presentation opportunities at the Georg-Schüler-Anlage "multi-use trailers" acquired as part of the project – mobile units that can be used flexibly at events – were also put to use.
Citizen participation
Citizen participation was a central element of the project. A specially formed "urban furniture jury" tested various seating areas throughout the city. Numerous ideas were gathered during action days such as "Griesheim Makes a Difference" and "Making a Difference," as well as through guided city walks, workshops, and online participation.
“Over 200 suggestions were ultimately collected,” reports Anouk Kaltenbach from the Citizen Participation Coordination Office . “Now we need to examine which ideas can be implemented promptly.” The city council will also incorporate these suggestions into their future decisions.
A final report and further information on the federal funding program can be found on the city's official participation platform: www.griesheim-gestalten.de/page/innenstadt .
Looking to the future
Despite the success, the city now faces new challenges: With the funding ending, financial resources are limited . Therefore, the city administration is examining which measures can be implemented with fewer resources and where new funding opportunities exist.
(Griesheim - Red/PSG)
