Olympics in Hamburg: Citizen participation on a large scale

Hamburg’s bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is not just a major sporting project, but a social dialog with far-reaching significance for the city. Our task is to shape this process in a communicative and participatory manner – openly, critically, emotionally and inclusively.

With the various participation formats – from the kick-off on November 1, 2025 to the dialog formats for each district – we are involving Hamburg’s population in the decision. Enthusiasm for the Olympics has just as much a place in this as justified criticism and fears on topics such as costs, security or sustainability. We don’t want to drown out these voices, but rather give them space, take them seriously and discuss solutions together. For us, participation means: listening, making visible, integrating into the process.

Central components of public participation are Information and education. Many Hamburg residents still remember the discussions surrounding the failed bid in 2015, but a lot has changed since then: the City of Hamburg’s bid concept and the requirements of the International Olympic Committee ( “New Norm”).

Steffen Rülke, head of Hamburg’s bid for the Olympics, explains the Hamburg+ concept to citizens (kick-off event on November 1, 2025 at HafenCity University)

• Olympia as a festival in the city:
• • Opening ceremony and competitions on the Binnenalster.
  • “Games of short distances”: many sports facilities within walking distance of the Olympic Village.
• Impetus for future topics and civil society:
  • Push for already planned or ongoing sustainable urban development projects.
  • Expansion of modern, CO2-free mobility for all.
  • “Olympic generation”: young Hamburg residents who grow up with an enthusiasm for exercise and values such as fairness.
• No new buildings for the Olympics:
  • 87% of the sports facilities already exist or are only being temporarily upgraded.
  • New buildings are designed for long-term use.
• Hamburg’s Active City strategy as a foundation:
  • “Sport City for All”: More well-being and quality of life for citizens.
  • Promotion of competitive and popular sports.
  • Boost for efficient infrastructure and more sports facilities.
• Hamburg as the most accessible metropolis in Germany.
• Climate-neutral to climate-positive games.

Isabell Köster from the Stadtmanufaktur team setting up the launch event: Hamburg residents were able to find out about the Hamburg+ concept in the foyer of HafenCity University

The Olympic bid offers Hamburg many opportunities – as a driving force for sustainable urban development, cultural identity and social cohesion. We at Stadtmanufaktur see our role as discussing these opportunities together with the people of this city – credibly, respectfully and with a clear view of the diversity of perspectives.

To make this possible, our concept consists of three formats for participation – each tailored to the target group. We pay attention to accessibility, inclusion and multilingualism at all events.

In addition, we support and advise the Ministry of the Interior and Sport in communication and organization around the participation formats.

Further impressions from the kick-off event for the Olympic bid: top athletes from Hamburg talk about the Olympics (picture above)