Bürgerumfrage 2024 – Lebensqualität und Zukunftsfragen (Stadt Karlsruhe)

The Stadt Karlsruhe’s Department of Urban Development released a comprehensive report on the 2024 citizens’ survey titled “Lebensqualität und Zukunftsfragen”. Conducted by a team of researchers – Andrea Hammer, Benedikt Dierßen, Tamiko Kehrer, Esther Krämer, Viktor Waldschmidt and Carolina Romero Antonio – the study forms a core element of the city’s integrated urban development concept (ISEK 2040), which aims to shape Karlsruhe’s growth up to 2040. The survey sampled 18 000 randomly selected residents, inviting 7 919 panel participants, and ultimately gathered 7 914 completed questionnaires, achieving a 32.2 % response rate.

Housing shortage emerged as the most pressing issue, cited by 51 % of respondents as the biggest challenge for the next 10‑15 years. Participants highlighted the need for expanding the housing stock, especially through higher building heights in already built areas and the utilisation of vacant ground‑level parking spaces for new dwellings. A majority also supported active municipal involvement in the housing market to curb rent increases. Conversely, post‑war‑damage redevelopment and densification of existing neighbourhoods faced critical public opinion.

Climate change ranked second, with 38 % naming it a major future concern. Respondents placed high importance on preserving and creating green and climate‑resilient spaces, particularly ensuring the availability of climatically relevant free areas and urban green zones. Over three‑quarters of citizens believe climate impacts will strongly affect their personal lives. Consequently, measures such as expanding green roofs, enhancing urban shading, and protecting existing parks received strong support.

The survey identified four distinct mobility typologies: 36 % rely primarily on cars/motorbikes, 36 % on bicycles or pedelecs, 16 % on public transport and 12 % on foot. While car users expressed moderate dissatisfaction with traffic conditions, cyclists and public‑transport users reported higher satisfaction levels. A notable proportion (57 %) favoured speed reductions for motor vehicles, and 48 % supported reducing parking spaces in favour of green or pedestrian zones. However, only about a third backed higher parking fees.

Safety concerns were prominent, especially among low‑income families, with 36 % viewing crime as a major challenge. Integration of migrants and newcomers also featured heavily, with 32‑34 % of respondents across groups highlighting it as a key issue. Over half of the surveyed population advocated for increased public safety measures, including enhanced police presence and better lighting in public spaces.

The sample was stratified by age and nationality to ensure representativeness. Participation varied: 30.4 % of the random sample and 42.9 % of the panel responded. The margin of error for proportion estimates is ±1.1 percentage points at the 95 % confidence level. The survey captured diverse perspectives from families, students, retirees, and various income brackets, providing a nuanced picture of urban priorities.

Based on the findings, the report underscores five priority actions for Karlsruhe’s future development:

1. Expand the housing supply, especially affordable units.
2. Enhance urban greening and climate‑adaptation infrastructure.
3. Redesign mobility to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, including speed limits and reduced car parking.
4. Strengthen safety through increased policing, better lighting and community programs.
5. Foster social integration and cohesion with targeted initiatives for migrants and vulnerable groups. These evidence‑based recommendations aim to guide the city’s ISEK 2040 framework, ensuring that Karlsruhe’s growth aligns with residents’ expectations for livable, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments.