The Fortress Advisory Board is an expert committee which is to advise the state capital Magdeburg in questions and activities concerning the fortifications.
In all actions and decisions concerning the fortifications, the expertise of the Fortress Advisory Board is taken into account. This way, the decisions of the town are more soundly based and conflicts can be avoided. Necessary compromises become more balanced. The Fortress Advisory Board has increased acceptance among the population. Due to the interdisciplinary composition of the advisory board, the various concerns, such as open space, monument protection, tourism, etc. are brought in.
As a result of the joint discussions, the Fortress Advisory Board gives recommendations for the city for further action.
The topics of the advisory board range from current measures for the utilisation of fortress remains to participation in conceptual planning, such as the monument preservation plan for the fortifications. Particularly noteworthy is the knowledge and research of the fortress advisory board on the historical development of the fortifications.
The Fortress Advisory Board has established its own rules of procedure. This ensures, among other things, that confidentiality obligations are observed.
Resources needed
The members of the Fortress Advisory Board receive a compensation of expenses from the city. The office is located in the urban planning office. The meetings are also attended by management levels of the building department as well as staff with specialist responsibilities.
Evidence of success
Decisionmaking concerning the fortifications of the town is more soundly based and conflicts can be avoided. Necessary compromises become more balanced. The fortress advisory board has increased acceptance among the population.
Difficulties encountered
The challenge was to find interested members coming from different disciplines who are willing to participate in the advisory board with the necessary commitment. The second challenge was to bring about a positive city council decision in order to secure long-term financial resources in the budget.
Potential for learning or transfer
The financial and human resources required to pay for such a body are low. Therefore, this good example is relatively easy to transfer to other projects.
Tags: Citizens, Cultural heritage, Governance, Heritage, Regional policy, Restoration, Urban development
