Prof. Dr Gesine Schwan presents an innovative way of placing the common good at the centre of municipal decision-making: Municipal Development Councils. These committees, consisting of representatives from politics, civil society and business, develop strategies for local development. Through a multi-stakeholder approach, they enable open deliberation and the development of a "living basic consensus" that forms the basis for political decisions. They provide a platform for cooperation between different social actors, thereby strengthening understanding and cohesion within the municipality.
