Craft initiative outlines strategic collaboration between artisans and urban centers
Mönchengladbach's "Masterplan Handwerk" Aims to Boost Cooperation and Reduce Bureaucracy
The city of Mönchengladbach is considering a new initiative called the "Masterplan Handwerk," designed to foster a collaborative relationship between the city, politics, and the local craft industry. The proposal, first suggested by the CDU in July 2025, aims to address bureaucratic hurdles, secure more space for craft businesses, and tackle skilled labor shortages [1].
The idea for the Masterplan is inspired by a similar plan in Düsseldorf, which has seen success in streamlining permit processes and supporting local crafts through tangible measures. The development of the Masterplan in Mönchengladbach is being carried out through dialogue between local political representatives, the Kreishandwerkerschaft (district craft guild), and the president of Handwerk.NRW [1].
The main challenges identified are bureaucratic hurdles, particularly lengthy and complex permit processes, a shortage of suitable areas for business expansion, and the critical need to attract and retain skilled workers in the crafts sector [1][2]. Despite political support from CDU representatives, implementation faces delays and political resistance locally, as some parties in the city council (SPD, Greens, FDP) have blocked related measures perceived to enhance public safety or transparency, which may indirectly impact the pace of craft sector reforms [1].
Broader regional issues also affect Mönchengladbach's craft industry, such as the general challenges in digitalizing administrative processes and reducing overall bureaucracy, which local businesses frequently complain about [2]. One of the solutions suggested is a "fast lane" in administration for the craft industry, prioritizing jobs and investments [3].
The Masterplan could potentially prioritize jobs and investments in the craft industry, as suggested by Dr. Christof Wellens, a CDU representative. The CDU aims to advance the "Masterplan idea" to strengthen and stabilize cooperation between the city and the craft industry [4]. A key aspect of the Masterplan is the need for a partnership at eye level between the city, politics, and the craft industry, with binding measurable goals and improvements, as emphasized by Jochen Klenner, a state parliamentarian [5].
The craft industry is a significant contributor to innovation in areas such as climate, mobility, and digitization, but these contributions are at risk due to current mobility policy hindrances. The local economy, including the craft industry, expresses concern about mobility issues, and the roundtable discussion emphasized the need for good connections, delivery routes, and parking spaces for operations [6].
The roundtable concluded that hindrances in city mobility policies negatively impact companies and employees in the craft industry [6]. Vanessa Odermatt and Michael Weigand provided concrete examples of how investments are being held back due to the lengthy and bureaucratic permits [7]. The craft industry requires good connections, delivery routes, and parking spaces for operations, and the Masterplan aims to support the local craft industry, including businesses and employees [8].
Düsseldorf has already implemented a "Masterplan Handwerk" as a result of a joint agreement between the city and the craft industry [9]. The main goals of the master plan are less bureaucracy in permits, more space for business settlements, and securing and attracting skilled workers [8]. The Masterplan for Mönchengladbach is currently in the proposal and initial discussion phase, with stakeholder engagement but typical challenges of political negotiation, administrative reform complexity, and securing resources for business space and skilled labor efforts [1][2].
References: 1. CDU Mönchengladbach proposes "Masterplan Handwerk" 2. Mönchengladbach craft industry faces bureaucratic hurdles 3. Dr. Christof Wellens suggests "fast lane" for craft industry 4. CDU aims to advance "Masterplan idea" 5. Jochen Klenner emphasizes need for partnership at eye level 6. Roundtable discusses mobility issues in craft industry 7. Concrete examples of permit delays in craft industry 8. Masterplan aims to support local craft industry 9. Düsseldorf's "Masterplan Handwerk"
