2nd Thuringian Forum for City Management

The transformation of our city centers is one of the core challenges for future-proof municipalities. To design downtown areas not just as commercial hubs, but as livable, resilient spaces for interaction, a close collaboration between urban planning, the business community, and innovative climate solutions is essential.

This makes direct exchange between various local stakeholders all the more vital. This was precisely the focus of the 2nd Thuringia Forum for City Management in Arnstadt, where strategic topics and operational solutions were discussed.

Our CEO and co-founder, Peter Sänger, was right at the heart of the event, using the opportunity to present innovative approaches for improving the quality of life in urban environments.

Climate Adaptation as a Strategic Success Factor

Organized by the three Thuringian Chambers of Commerce (IHK), the format brought together key players in city center development to discuss the most pressing questions of transformation, “to exchange experiences, set new impulses, and strengthen networks”.

A major focus was on how downtown areas can be reimagined as multifunctional platforms. It became clear that the quality of stay can no longer be separated from climate protection and heat resilience. Urban greenery, shading, and innovative air purification solutions are no longer “nice-to-have” elements, but essential building blocks for attractive city centers. This was also emphasized by the host, IHK Südthüringen, in their summary, highlighting the necessity to, “incorporate climate protection, climate adaptation, and heat resilience”.

Photo: GCS

Together for Heat-Resilient and Livable Centers

During the practical discussions with city managers, urban developers, and city marketers, it quickly became clear: while the challenges are diverse, there is a strong motivation to find concrete approaches for local implementation. The dialogue between organizers, authorities, and solution providers like Green City Solutions is key to making permit processes efficient while setting high ecological standards. Consequently, “four Impulses on ‘Climate Protection, Climate Adaptation, and Heat Resilience – Measures for Future-Proof City Centers'” were a core part of this year’s forum.

Speakers included Philipp Meudtner (Climate Manager, City of Arnstadt), Mark Schmidt (Climate Competence Center, Thuringian State Office for Environment, Mining, and Nature Conservation), and Felix Schmigalle (Climate Protection Manager, Ilm-Kreis), alongside our co-founder and Managing Director, Peter Sänger.

“Exciting Exchange with Local Implementers”

Our CEO also participated in “Roundtable III”, titled “Climate Protection as a Component of Sustainable Urban Development – Practical Examples, Funding, Networks, and Local Acceptance”.

Peter Sänger looks back positively on the event in Arnstadt and emphasizes the relevance of the format:

“It was an interactive day in Arnstadt at the IHK Südthüringen: accompanied by a keynote on climate adaptation, we were able to engage in intensive discussions with city managers, urban developers, and city marketers about current challenges and opportunities, gaining valuable insights into a wide range of experiences and perspectives. For us, it is always incredibly exciting to engage directly with the implementers on the ground in the municipalities. A heartfelt thank you to the IHK and CIMA ffor this important format – and for allowing us to be a part of it.”

Photos: IHK Südthüringen on LinkedIn, GCS

Urban Development as a Collective Task

As the IHK Südthüringen aptly summarized on LinkedIn and Instagram, strengthening Thuringia’s city centers remains a collective task. “Successful centers” must “strategically link “retail, services, culture, administration, and quality of stay” to remain economically viable and livable in the long term.

We look forward to carrying the momentum from Arnstadt forward and working together with municipalities toward green, cool, and healthy cities.

Shaping climate adaptation in your city

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