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Society is changing – and municipalities must take action

Demographic change is more than just an aging population. The shifts are complex and far-reaching: we are becoming fewer, older, and more diverse. This isn’t just reflected in statistics – demographic change is already transforming everyday life in our villages, towns, municipalities, and districts, and will continue to do so in the future. Municipalities must find sustainable solutions to the broad and essential task of providing public services. New concepts are needed for mobility, housing and social spaces, healthcare, volunteering, caregiving, and education. On the path toward inclusive communities, it’s crucial to consider whether and how citizens are involved in decision-making.

How can structurally weak regions offer young people better prospects? How can places remain attractive — for those who live there and for those who are new to the area? What paths lead to stronger social cohesion and a resilient democracy?

A municipality’s future viability depends significantly on how successfully it manages demographic change on the ground. At the same time, many local administrations are under-staffed and facing intense pressure. So how can they be supported in this major development task?

Cooperation instead of competition: new approaches and sustainable strategies

To recognize and harness their own potential, municipalities need to learn from one another. This is where the Future Space Demography (Zukunftsraum Demografie) comes in. It is the first nationwide network for everyone actively shaping demographic change at the municipal level.

The Future Space Demography...

1. Enables exchange and fosters connections: A digital platform brings together all facets of the topic and promotes inter-municipal collaboration. In addition to online exchange, annual in-person networking events take place.
2. Provides inspiration: Regular online seminars deliver expert input from science and practice.
3. Offers and facilitates consulting services: Network members have exclusive access to micro-funding, which allows them to engage experienced experts to support them in tackling local demographic challenges.
4. Builds skills: Starting in fall 2025, a modular e-learning course on demography will be launched. With interactive elements and practical examples, knowledge will be delivered in an engaging way and directly applicable to daily practice. Users can decide for themselves which content to engage with, when, and to what extent – based on their individual interests and needs.
5. Makes practical knowledge accessible: A growing Demography Wiki collects practical knowledge and experience in the form of guides, methods, and best-practice documentation.
6. Is agile: Thanks to a learning-based project structure and systematic monitoring, the Future Space Demography can flexibly respond to user needs. Network members are involved in the further development of the digital platform.

The project aims to meet the challenges of a changing society with shared commitment, and to enable equal living conditions and participation for all.

The Future Space for Municipal Demographic Development is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The project office is located at the Competence Center for Technology, Diversity and Equal Opportunities (Kompetenzzentrum Technik-Diversity-Chancengleichheit e. V.). The project builds on the experiences of the model projects “Demographic Workshop for Municipalities” (DWK, 2016–2020) and “Municipal Future Workshop – Attractive in Transition” (ZWK, 2021–2024). It is part of the nationwide support system for structurally weak regions developed within the framework of the Commission for “Equivalent Living Conditions”.