Common Ground
Climate-Friendly Urban Planning Across Borders
In the twin city of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice, citizens came together across national lines to shape a climate-friendly urban center. Through cross-border picnics, workshops, and shared visions, a new chapter in participatory city planning began—one that puts people and sustainability at the heart of development.
One city, two countries: The German-Polish twin city of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice is divided not only by the River Oder, but also by a national border. Precisely because of this, the two sides are determined to grow closer together—and to do so hand in hand with their citizens. A large-scale participation process was launched to develop a concept for a climate-friendly city center. And since good ideas often come over good food, the region invited residents to cross-border picnics—complete with expert inputs and themed tables where a shared vision began to take shape. Topics included mobility, urban development, and the design of the riverfront promenade.
Small Actions, Big Impact
Cross-border cooperation has long been part of everyday practice in the region, thanks to the Frankfurt-Słubice Cooperation Center. However, joint urban planning at this scale was new territory for both administrations. Each side brought different levels of experience with participatory processes. But it quickly became clear: small steps make a big difference. Creative, low-threshold formats—such as thematic walks and hands-on workshops—proved highly effective in building momentum and laying the groundwork for long-term goals.
![[DE Copy] 002_BG_frankfurt_manuel-frauendorf-fotografie_IMG_3453.png](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs= "Photo credits: Manuel Frauendorf Fotografie")
Left: A bridge marks the border between Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice. Right: Common Ground info booth at the citizens’ picnic.
This Is What Citizens Envision
The vision for a climate-friendly city center continued to evolve. Across various participation formats, citizens contributed ideas for the future: from a joint youth center and more bilingual events to improved cycling infrastructure between the two cities. These suggestions helped shape a shared roadmap.
The outcomes of the process are already visible. On both sides of the border, new “citizen tables” have been installed—offering space for up to 20 people to meet or hold small workshops in public areas. In Słubice, a public square was co-designed and planted with residents to enhance its quality of stay. Structural issues, such as a cross-border mobility concept, are now being further developed. One proposal currently under discussion is the construction of a second bridge to ease border traffic.
- Low-threshold participation formats, such as the citizen picnic, played a key role in strengthening the culture of engagement and deepening cross-border connections in the twin city.
- The continuation and expansion of participation activities is not carried by municipalities alone—they are supported through external programs (e.g. Interreg). The Common Ground program served as a crucial entry point for securing funding, including for local engagement efforts.
Cross-Border Participation as an Ongoing Commitment
For both administrations, the process has been a success. The cross-border formats not only built intercultural bridges, but also brought communities closer together. As a result, a permanent citizen advisory board—the Frankfurt-Słubice Council for Cross-Border Urban Development—is set to be established in 2026.