The city Feldkirchen, near Munich, took a significant step towards modern citizen participation at its citizens’ assembly in autumn 2023. The use of live streaming technologies set a new standard for transparency and inclusion.
Digitalisation reaches the citizens’ assembly
The municipal administration recognised the importance of digitalisation, particularly with regard to citizen participation in public meetings. With the aim of enabling as many citizens as possible to participate, a livestream of the citizens’ assembly was initiated.
Livestreaming as a tool for transparency
The livestream gave citizens the opportunity to follow the meeting from the comfort of their own homes or while travelling. This not only led to increased transparency, but also to broader participation and greater involvement by members of the community.
Interactive elements for active participation
The livestream was not only used as a pure broadcast. Interactive elements such as live chats, in which citizens could express their questions and concerns, were integrated. This enabled a direct dialogue between the community members and the meeting participants.
Promoting proximity to citizens
The livestream initiative strengthened the connection between the municipal administration and citizens. The ability to ask questions and receive answers in real time encouraged open and transparent communication.
Technology for more inclusivity
By using livestreaming technologies, the municipality not only demonstrated technological progress, but also set an example for inclusivity. People who were unable to attend in person for various reasons were given the same opportunity to actively participate in the democratic process.
Outlook for the future
The successful implementation of the livestream at the Citizens’ Assembly 2023 suggests that this type of citizen participation will become even more important in the future. It is expected that other municipalities will follow this example and find innovative ways to integrate citizens through modern technologies.
The citizens’ assembly of the municipality of Feldkirchen shows that livestreaming is not only a tool for businesses and entertainment, but can also make a significant contribution to strengthening democracy and bringing citizens closer together.
