The municipality of Taufkirchen has received a decision regarding the continuation of planning for the quarter at the railway station. A significant majority of voting citizens spoke on 12 July in favour of the municipal council's petition, which provides for the further development of the project. Conversely, a citizens' petition aiming to halt the planning was largely rejected. The required quorum for the vote was met.
Prior to the vote, various factions, associations and clubs had taken a stance and supported the realisation of the new quarter across party lines. The owners' association expressed through its spokesperson, Ms Lisa Bierling, that the vote is seen as a democratic signal to responsibly, transparently, and in dialogue with the municipality, shape the next steps. The municipality of Taufkirchen also interprets the result as an important impetus for the ongoing process.
Objectives of the Quarter Development
The planned quarter is conceived as a vibrant, mixed-use area. It is intended to connect living, working, amenities, social infrastructure, and public spaces. The aim is to create urgently needed housing and at the same time develop areas for diverse uses. Dr. Sebastian Thoma, First Mayor of the municipality of Taufkirchen, emphasised that the citizenry has given the municipality a clear mandate to continue with the planning.
Ms Bierling highlighted that the outcome of the vote strengthens the planning of a quarter that is intended to reinforce Taufkirchen in the long term. This includes an expansion of local services, improved pathways, new meeting places, and essential facilities for various age groups. The communication measures related to the municipal council's petition and the citizens' referendum were carried out by the Munich agency SCRIVO Communications.
Comprehensive Communication Strategy
The agency's communication strategy included multi-stage acceptance communication, which began in September 2025 with fundamental information and educational work. Particularly before the citizens' referendums, an activation campaign under the motto "Whoever says yes must also say no" was used to encourage high voter turnout. The campaign utilised a combination of traditional public relations, dialogue formats on-site, strategic campaign communication in person, print, online and social media, as well as classic advertising. Mr Kai Oppel, founder of SCRIVO, noted that for the first time, they succeeded in comprehensively involving citizens and achieving a positive result, especially as past citizens' referendums in Taufkirchen had stopped projects.
- —More living space: Creation of urgently needed residential units.
- —Infrastructure: Areas for medical care, a senior citizens' centre, and childcare facilities.
- —Public space: Development of attractive public areas and local amenities.
- —Economy: Modern commercial spaces to strengthen the local economy.
The voting period extended from 16 June to 12 July. The results, with a three-quarters majority of 75 percent for the municipal council's petition and a rejection of the citizens' petition by 68 percent of voters, manifest the citizens' will for an active shaping of Taufkirchen's future.
