The pilot project in the pilot phase of the Small Town Academy publishes final report
From January 2021 to April 2023, the towns of Zwönitz, Bönen, Demmin and Münnerstadt joined forces to find solutions for a more vibrant city center. The project “Innenstadt (be)leben!” was supported by the German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu) and aconium GmbH provided organizational support. It was part of the pilot phase of the Small Town Academy of the BMWSB and the BBSR, funded by the ExWoSt program. The pilot project used peer coaching to promote the exchange of experience between the stakeholders and to develop ideas for revitalizing inner cities. Initial measures were also implemented, including the development of key properties into meeting places and pop-up offers such as mobile bars. The involvement of the administration and politicians proved to be crucial for successful development. An important milestone after the pilot phase was the founding of the first small town academy in Germany in February 2024. The project aims to improve the networking of municipal developments so that towns and municipalities can benefit from each other beyond district boundaries. The Small Town Academy is based in the beautiful town of Wittenberge, which is putting its heart and soul into coordinating the project. The German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB) is also supporting the project with advice and assistance. You can view the results of the model municipalities here here. Further information on the Small Town Academy and other results from the pilot phase can be found here.