Guidelines for the participation of citizens in Tempelhof-Schöneberg

The image shows an illustration with three people leaning over a red and a blue line drawn on the ground. One person with brown hair is wearing a pink top and red pants, another person with brown hair is wearing a light blue top and red pants, while a third person with black hair is wearing a blue shirt and green dungarees. All three people are leaning over the lines as if they are following them. The lines lead to an information symbol with the letter "i". This representation arouses curiosity and suggests that there are guidelines for citizen participation that one can follow to get involved in the participation processes. The information symbol also signals that concrete instructions and explanations about these guidelines are available.

Image: slapa & die raumplaner gmbh

Link to contact information

The Berlin-wide Guidelines for the participation of citizens in urban spatial development developed from the Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing, form the basis and prerequisites for more transparency, commitment, and developing participation principles.
Building on this guideline, the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district developed its personalized guidelines collaboratively. This process involved Tri-AG members from the local community, organised civil society, administration, and politics. The district aspires a new culture of participation across administration, politics, business, and citizenship in the future. The Zebralog participation office supported the collaborative process of formulating the district’s guidelines.

Nine principles of good participation

  • 1. Treat each other well.

    A good and respectful interaction is important to be able to discuss and talk about difficult topics together.

  • 2. Empower citizens in participation processes.

    The space for participation should empower citizens in their opportunities for participation, allowing them to contribute their needs, recommendations, ideas, and positions on district projects.

  • 3. Define scope for decision-making and guarantee transparency of results.

    The responsible body should clearly name and present in advance the participation and influence options available to citizens.

  • 4. Inform and involve citizens at an early stage.

    Citizens should receive information about district projects and their participation options as early as possible through various channels (e.g., project lists, flyers, newsletters, newspapers, or notices) in their neighbourhood.

  • 5. Involve many different citizens.

    All people in the district should have the opportunity to participate, regardless of factors such as age or language spoken.

  • 6. Ensure information and transparency.

    Information should be easily accessible for all citizens.

  • 7. Provide binding feedback on the results of participation.

    The results of participation must be communicated in a binding, public, and comprehensible manner for citizens.

  • 8. The administration should plan sufficient funds and personnel for the participation process.

    Participation processes are often resource-intensive. To ensure that they work well and many people can participate, sufficient funds and personnel are necessary.

  • 9. Monitor, evaluate and continue to develop guidelines.

    The guidelines should be regularly evaluated and evolved. For this purpose, a participation advisory board could be established.

District guidelines for citizen participation in Tempelhof-Schöneberg

Full text of the district guidelines More information

Further information about this

Bezirksamt Tempelhof-Schöneberg
back to top of page