Urban Governance for Sustainable Development – The Implementation Strategy for a Sustainable Development Plan at the Administration of the City of Ludwigsburg

Abstract

Climate change represents one of the greatest challenges for sustainable urban development in the coming decades. In Germany, following the nuclear phase-out, major programmes have been launched to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy supply, supported by substantial funding for building insulation and heating improvements. However, beyond technical measures, comprehensive spatial strategies are required. This paper examines the case of Ludwigsburg, Germany, where the municipal administration has developed and implemented a sustainable development plan aligned with the EU’s Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities (2007) and the German National Urban Development Policy. The plan integrates ecological, social, and economic objectives into guiding visions such as the “compact city,” the “climate-conscious city,” and the “socially balanced city.” The Ludwigsburg case illustrates how strategic urban governance can translate European policy frameworks into local action, aiming to prevent urban sprawl, mitigate segregation, and address demographic and climate change challenges.