Through preliminary discussions and interviews in the municipalities, topics were identified for each case where future collaboration with civil society should be more conflict-free. To this end, action strategies are being developed in the municipalities through co-creative multistakeholder dialogues; these strategies will be tested in practice and compiled into a methodological guide that is freely accessible to all.

In Jülich, the conflict centers on past challenges in communication between the administration and civil society regarding urban and neighborhood development, as well as issues of jurisdiction. Using a future new construction project as a basis, communication strategies will be developed to ensure that civil society is informed in a timely manner about important processes and opportunities for participation.

In Herzogenrath, various participatory formats have already been used to involve citizens in municipal projects. However, participation and active engagement were low. Collaboration between politicians and citizens was also difficult. To address these challenges and encourage more people to participate actively, constructive approaches for future participatory formats are now being developed.

In Merzenich, challenges have arisen in the revision of the comprehensive housing policy concept. Interviews with local stakeholders show that this is an emotionally charged issue involving various conflicts of interest. The desire for municipal growth, the actual need for housing, and various sustainability considerations create a conflict of objectives and highlight the need to seek solutions through dialogue and to develop a shared vision for the town’s development.

The Doughnut Economy serves as the foundation for the project’s conceptual solution development. Kate Raworth’s model helps integrate ecological and social dimensions. As a participatory and communicative tool, the Doughnut provides opportunities for greater collaboration between civil society and local governments.