Local expert operations

The expert Jonathan Weekes supports the partnership between the City of Mannheim and Freetown City Council in building effective urban planning capacities. He contributes to the development of integrated and inclusive neighbourhood plans and strengthens the city administration’s practical planning and implementation capacities. Key tasks include the participatory development of local neighbourhood plans, the revision of existing planning instruments, and the institutional development of the newly established Department of Urban Development. Through close cooperation with local stakeholders and professional exchange with Mannheim, important foundations are laid for sustainable urban development and the long-term improvement of planning structures in Freetown.

Expert Nicole Martin supports the partnership between Stellenbosch and Karlsruhe in strengthening the municipality’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. In response to the severe floods of 2023, the project focuses on developing Stellenbosch’s first coordinated climate change adaptation strategy, improving cross-departmental cooperation, and building the internal capacity needed to integrate climate risks into municipal planning, operations, and decision-making.

A particular emphasis is placed on the pilot area of Franschhoek, which was heavily affected by recent extreme weather events. Here, the expert facilitates engagement with landowners and residents and supports the design and implementation of local adaptation measures that reduce flood risk. In addition, the assignment advances climate awareness and communication initiatives, strengthens partnerships – including knowledge exchange with the City of Karlsruhe – and identifies funding opportunities to sustain long-term climate resilience efforts.

Through training, information programmes, and stakeholder networking, the project equips both the administration and local communities to better prepare for future climate risks while deepening the municipal partnership between Stellenbosch and Karlsruhe.

Expert Oleh Levchenko supports the young but very active partnership between Vinnytsia and Karlsruhe in introducing a modern approach to integrated and resilient urban development. As the existing planning documents are outdated, the focus lies on their comprehensive revision, taking into account current challenges such as security, disaster risk management, and sustainable and inclusive urban planning. This process involves close cooperation with various municipal departments, the Vinnytsia Institute of Urban Development, and Karlsruhe’s Spatial Development Agency.

Key tasks include needs assessments, the adaptation of strategic documents, the development of roadmaps, and the preparation of recommendations for the administrative reorganisation and further development of municipal structures. Through intensive technical exchange with Karlsruhe, good practices can be adopted and joint standards for integrated planning established. The assignment thus makes an important contribution to strengthening the resilience of Vinnytsia’s population and further deepening the municipal partnership.