Mannheim, Germany

Mannheim is a proudly diverse and industrious city, often described as a “melting pot” where people from across Europe come together to build a better urban future. Citizens are generally supportive of strategic urban development and share a collective interest in the city’s well-being. However, Mannheim feels underappreciated by its federal and national governments, often treated as a testing ground for infrastructure projects without adequate support. The city’s leadership is committed to fulfilling its Mission 2030, with a strong emphasis on improving communication strategies to better convey its accomplishments and vision—especially in the context of initiatives like GreenDEMO, which aims to position Mannheim as a pioneer in just transitions. 

Despite its ambitions, Mannheim faces several interlinked challenges. Communication gaps have left many citizens unaware of key initiatives such as the Local Green Deals (LGDs) and the broader goals of GreenDEMO. The city struggles to engage residents in complex sustainability concepts, and misinformation campaigns have further eroded trust. Rising living costs and gentrification are pushing lower-income families to the periphery, worsening quality of life and fueling frustration. GreenDEMO’s goals—such as promoting sustainable lifestyles and democratic participation—are hindered by a lack of visibility, limited citizen engagement, and the recurring involvement of only a small, familiar group of participants. 

To address these issues, Mannheim is pursuing cross-departmental collaboration and more inclusive communication strategies. Actions include “observe walks” to reconnect public officials with neighborhood realities, the creation of a digital platform for internal coordination, and stronger involvement of cultural sectors and district-level actors. GreenDEMO plays a central role in supporting the Co-Lab project and in reframing LGDs as accessible and recognizable tools for sustainability. The initiative emphasizes improving local quality of life and transitioning from a green to a just transition—both locally and as a model for Europe. To succeed, GreenDEMO must help bridge the gap between knowing and acting and support the city in reaching “the unreachable” through better storytelling and citizen engagement.