Press release

dated November 4, 2026, No. 184

Youth participation requires the right framework

First Youth Town Hall Meeting in Bad Heilbrunn Shows How Young People Can Be Engaged in Shaping Their Community

Bad Heilbrunn. More than 50 young people gathered at the Kursaal in Bad Heilbrunn for the first youth town hall meeting and submitted their ideas, wishes, and criticisms on hundreds of slips of paper. For the municipal youth services in the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district, the event is a successful example of how children and young people can be encouraged to help shape their community. The strong response shows that there is interest in local political issues. The key is to create appropriate opportunities for participation.

A key factor in the program’s success was the personal approach. All young people between the ages of 12 and 17 received a personal invitation by mail. For many, it was the first time they had received an official letter addressed directly to them. In this way, the municipality conveyed a clear message from the outset: Your opinion matters, and you are invited to get involved.

The event format was also deliberately designed to be accessible. Instead of long presentations or speaking in front of a large audience, the young people were able to jot down their thoughts at various themed tables. This gave everyone the opportunity to participate, regardless of age, prior experience, or eloquence. The discussion covered not only wishes and criticisms but also the strengths and positive aspects of their hometown.

“Young people don’t need to be inspired to get involved in local politics. They need opportunities where their perspectives are explicitly sought and where they can actually help shape things,” concludes Julius Larasser, district youth worker at the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office.

The next step announced by Mayor Michael Herrmann is particularly promising: He held out the prospect of introducing a youth budget in the future. The exact amount of the budget has not yet been determined and must be approved by the city council. Young people will be able to decide independently how the allocated funds are used, for example through a youth council. This will not only give them the opportunity to contribute their own ideas, but also to take on responsibility and independently carry out projects and initiatives.

Now it is important to evaluate the collected suggestions transparently, explain decisions in a way that is easy to understand, and keep the young people regularly informed about the next steps. Not every request will be possible to fulfill. What is crucial, however, is that young people receive honest feedback and learn what will become of their suggestions.

The Youth Town Hall Meeting in Bad Heilbrunn makes it clear: a personal approach, accessible participation formats, a supportive atmosphere, and genuine decision-making autonomy are key prerequisites for successful youth participation. When young people realize that their opinions matter and their ideas can make a difference, they are willing to play an active role in shaping their community.

Sabine Schmid
Press spokeswoman
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office