Drafted blueprint for a city-focused agreement, detailing strategic initiatives for the artisanal industry
In a bid to bolster the local craft industry and create a conducive environment for businesses, the city of Düsseldorf has initiated the Master Plan for Crafts. The main goals of this plan are to reduce bureaucracy in permits, provide more space for business settlements, and secure and acquire skilled workers.
The Master Plan for Crafts is expected to support the local craft industry by providing businesses and employees with the necessary resources. Dr. Christof Wellens, the CDU's mayoral candidate, has suggested the need for a "fast lane" in the administration for the craft industry to expedite processes and reduce delays.
The craft industry requires good connections, delivery routes, and parking spaces for its operations. Acknowledging this need, the Master Plan aims to improve infrastructure and mobility to facilitate the smooth running of craft businesses.
A roundtable discussion at the House of Crafts, attended by representatives of the craft industry, guests from the employment agency, IHK, and economic development, highlighted the challenges faced by companies and employees due to ideological mobility policies. The discussion concluded that it's wrong for the craft industry to be hindered by such policies.
State parliamentarian Vanessa Odermatt and Michael Weigand, deputy chairman of the Mittelstands- und Wirtschaftsvereinigung MG, provided specific examples of investments being held up due to bureaucracy in building permits.
While a direct, detailed public documentation specifically titled "Master Plan for Crafts in Düsseldorf" is yet to be found, related initiatives and contextual developments offer a glimpse into the strategies being considered.
The Handwerkskammer Düsseldorf (Chamber of Crafts Düsseldorf) is actively promoting the regional craft sector with projects such as the planned new "Tiny Craftsmen’s Place" — a craftsmen’s hub with small rental units in the southern part of Düsseldorf. This initiative aims to address workspace and location needs, indirectly supporting better mobility and operational efficiency for craftspeople.
On a regional level, the Masterplan Handwerk Ruhr, launched in July 2025, outlines concrete implementation projects and recommendations to strengthen craftsmanship and shape the future of the trade sectors. Although this master plan specifically targets the Ruhr area, its strategies often influence neighboring regions like Düsseldorf and aim at systemic challenges including workforce security and bureaucratic simplification.
For more detailed and updated information about specific measures related to bureaucracy reduction, talent securing, and mobility improvements in Düsseldorf's craft industry, consulting the Handwerkskammer Düsseldorf directly or their official publications is recommended.
The local craft industry is a significant driver of innovation in the areas of climate, mobility, and digitization. However, the industry's innovation efforts could be negatively impacted by ideological mobility policies. The CDU believes that the Master Plan for Crafts will strengthen and stabilize cooperation, potentially supporting a shift towards a culture of enabling rather than preventing.
The city of Düsseldorf recognises the importance of the craft industry and is committed to pushing forward the Master Plan for Crafts idea to ensure the industry's continued growth and success.
- The Master Plan for Crafts encourages finance for businesses in the home-and-garden and lifestyle sectors, recognizing their contribution to the city's local craft industry.
- Dr. Christof Wellens advocates for streamlining processes in the administration to boost the manufacturing industry, suggesting a "fast lane" for craft businesses.
- The Master Plan for Crafts recognizes the integral role of the craft industry in shaping the future, particularly in innovation sectors such as climate, mobility, and digitization.
