EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Soziale Stadt Project

Soziale Stadt Project - Berlin, Germany

Introduction

Soziale Stadt is a project set up by the federal government in 1999 to improve the social climate in Germany's major towns and cities. In the Kreuzberg district in Berlin the project has found an unusual way of selecting projects that will really make a difference to local residents. Key to the scheme is the establishment of a citizens' jury.

Problem

How do you divide EUR 500,000 among projects in a district in a way that satisfies local residents?

Description

The Soziale Stadt project is a collaboration between the federal government, the Länder, local authorities and citizens. In Berlin it consists of dozens of smaller projects in districts needing particular support.

Kreuzberg is a district with many problems. Unemployment is running at almost 30%. Less than half the population of 4,500 have a German passport. According to the local schools, 80% of children come from ethnic minorities with a wide range of backgrounds. As a result of this situation, in 2001-2002 Kreuzberg was eligible for a grant of EUR 500,000 from Soziale Stadt funds. Local residents are able to make up their own minds how they want to spend the money. A 'citizens' jury' has been established to help ensure residents are satisfied that the money is being spent as they would wish.

Approach

Local organisations, associations, clubs and residents can put forward proposals for projects to improve the social or cultural infrastructure in the district for which they need funding.
The ultimate decision on how the money is spent is taken by a citizens' jury consisting of 36 members.
The district council sent out invitations to three hundred randomly selected residents asking them to sit on the jury. Seventy favourable responses were received and following interviews twenty-three jury members were appointed. The other thirteen members represent local associations, societies, clubs, schools and businesses.
The jury met in closed sessions and took its decisions on the basis of a two-thirds majority, subject to the proviso that at least sixteen voting members were present.

Results

The selection mechanism for jury members is unique and gives local residents the sense that they are being involved in the district.
The rigorously applied structure means that jury members take their duties seriously.
The jury received 136 project applications. A local communications agency visualised them in uniform style so that no differences would be visible on the basis of their presentation. 59 project proposals were accepted for funding.
Immediately after each session the jury's decisions were made public on a website, at the district offices and in the local freesheet.
Residents in the district perceive sitting on the district jury as an honour. The jury had a visible presence in the district and even after their term of service jury members have continued to be contact points for others in the district.
Thanks to Kreuzberg's approach with a district jury, local residents identify more closely with the district.

Contact info

Ms Erika Hausotter (District Manager), tel. +49 3029492501

Project start date

13/04/2004

Links

Project web site

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Social inclusion & integration