The Stuttgart Youth Council was founded 30 years ago with the aim of giving young people a voice in local politics. Since then, young people between the ages of 14 and 18 have been involved in local events at district and city level, contributing their own ideas and voicing their concerns.
Some of the achievements of young people over the past three decades were commemorated at the anniversary celebration on November 12 in the main conference room of Stuttgart City Hall.
First Mayor Dr. Fabian MayerThe Stuttgart Youth Council is a driving force, an admonisher and a bridge builder between young people and politics.
The ceremony honored past achievements, addressed future fields of action and celebrated young people for their commitment. At the same time, it provided an opportunity to emphasize the importance of youth participation for the city's democratic culture.
Voter turnout has almost tripled
It all started with the first youth council election in 1995, which was held in the four model districts of Obere Neckarvororte, Ost, Sillenbuch and Süd. At that time, 116 candidates applied for 61 seats. In the last election to date in January 2025, 436 young people ran for 217 seats on the Stuttgart Youth Council. A total of 25,661 young people were called to the polls to elect the representatives of their voice in local politics. Voter turnout has almost tripled since 1995 and now stands at around 30 percent. This is a more than positive development and a strong sign of democracy and the commitment of Stuttgart's young people.
Many projects implemented in the city districts
From the outset, the youth councils in the districts had the right to bring their concerns to the district councils. Since the 2023 to 2025 term of office, up to two youth councillors can also be appointed as advisory members without voting rights for each district advisory council. They may contribute to all matters dealt with by the district council and present the views of their generation.
In the 30 years of the Stuttgart Youth Council, many projects have been implemented at district level, such as Café 13 in Weilimdorf, which is self-managed by young people, the solar-powered Wi-Fi benches in almost all districts, the downhill route from Degerloch to Süd, the leisure area in the Züblin-Areal in Stuttgart-Mitte and the legal graffiti areas of the "Hall of Fame" in Bad Cannstatt. In addition, many Let's Clean campaigns, city tours on the subject of safety and lighting as well as information events in the course of youth council, local, state and federal elections took place.
Applications and inquiries to the city administration
The city-wide youth council meets monthly at Stuttgart City Hall and consists of delegates from the district youth councils. It deals with city-wide issues and formulates proposals and requests to the Lord Mayor and the administration, which are addressed to the city administration and the local council. Topics include, for example, the improvement of public transport, the expansion of sports and exercise facilities and more meeting places in public spaces. Participation is neutral in terms of party politics.
Trainee ticket, night buses and new sports areas
The work of the Youth Council has produced visible successes in recent years. The measures achieved include, for example, the introduction of the trainee ticket in the Stuttgart Transport Association (VVS), the expansion of the night bus service and the creation of new sports and leisure areas in all of Stuttgart's districts. In addition, the Youth Council provides impetus in the areas of mobility, education, culture and climate justice and actively contributes the perspective of young people to urban development.
With the 30th anniversary of the Stuttgart Youth Council, the city is sending a clear signal: youth participation is not a marginal phenomenon - it is part of democratic development. The Youth Council will remain an important voice for young people in the coming years - with the aim of actively shaping urban policy.
