Norderstedt gets a new city app: everything you need in your pocket!

Norderstedt gets a new city app: everything you need in your pocket!

Norderstedt, the dynamic city in Schleswig-Holstein, is taking big steps into the digital future. With “APPmade – your city in your pocket,” the city administration has presented a new type of city app that is intended to make life easier for citizens. A tailor-made digital companion that scores with a wide range of functions, such as Kommune21 reports.

The app not only offers users the opportunity to use city services online, but also to obtain various information about Norderstedt at a glance. These include, among other things, map services, emergency numbers, event overviews, online appointment bookings and news from the city. Particularly noteworthy are the integrated citizen services, such as the works office's waste app and a defect reporter where citizens can easily report complaints about grievances. In this way, the voice of the residents is carried directly into the city administration.

A focus on fast communication

The advantages of the app cannot be overlooked. Mayor Katrin Schmieder emphasizes that the application enables quick access to important information regardless of location. With the aim of strengthening citizens' ties to the city, a concept was developed that is based on the cornerstones of the “Smart City” strategy. Kn online reports that the idea for the app was decided on as a pilot project in June 2022 and the city administration hired a product manager in November 2023 who worked on the implementation.

The app also includes an event calendar that informs users about upcoming events, as well as an interactive map that shows important facilities such as pharmacies, clinics and e-charging stations. This makes it easy to find out where the nearest garbage containers or playgrounds are. Feedback from users is actively incorporated into the further development of the app - a great way to meet the needs of citizens.

Financial considerations and future outlook

When implementing the app, the city has two options available: independent development for around 400,000 euros in the first three years or joining a development partnership for 50,000 to 100,000 euros. The latter enables faster implementation of the app, with the first version within a month. The city administration prefers this cost-effective route.

Schleswig-Holstein's Digital Minister Dirk Schrödter describes the Norderstedter app as an exemplary solution and emphasizes the importance of the app for the future of the city. That too Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research (BBSR) shows in his studies how important smart city apps are for municipalities. These apps not only bundle services and information, but also create participation opportunities for the population.

Additional functions, such as weather services and traffic reports, will be integrated in the coming months. The goal is clear: With APPmade, Norderstedt will show a modern, digital face that will benefit all generations and make everyday life significantly easier.