On behalf of the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung BBSR), PTV Transport Consult analysed the factors that contribute to success within administrative structures, processes, and cultures.
Mobility determines how liveable and attractive a region is. Whether it’s cycle paths, community buses or digital solutions for public transport – in many municipalities, there is great commitment to advancing the mobility transition locally. However, mobility planning is influenced not only by external factors such as population, the economy, or the climate:
“There are also internal barriers within municipal administrations,” writes Dr Peter Jakubowski, Head of the Department of Spatial and Urban Development at the BBSR, in the foreword to the PTV Transport Consult study. “Limited financial and human resources, lengthy coordination processes and often inflexible structures slow down necessary change.”
Rural municipalities in particular face major challenges: limited resources, demographic change, and increasing demands from climate protection and digitalisation.
Promising Factors for Successful Mobility Planning
Against this backdrop, the BBSR commissioned PTV Transport Consult to carry out a research project. From April 2024 to October 2025, the project analysed the current state of mobility planning in municipalities across rural regions. The research project Erfolgsversprechende Faktoren innerhalb kommunaler Verwaltungsstrukturen für eine erfolgreiche Mobilitätsplanung (“Promising Factors within Municipal Administrative Structures for Successful Mobility Planning”) was commissioned as part of the Federal Programme Region gestalten (“Shaping the Region”). The programme itself is implemented by the BBSR on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB).
Three Levers for Effective Planning
For the project, PTV’s transport experts conducted interviews with employees from 20 municipalities across Germany. These were supplemented by expert analyses and a workshop with specialists from the field. The findings show that successful mobility planning requires a solid foundation in three areas: administrative structures, administrative processes, and administrative culture.
A sound administrative structure is characterised by clear responsibilities, qualified staff, and secure, long-term funding. Within the municipality, mobility planning should be understood as a shared, cross-departmental task. Efficient administrative processes are marked by integrated strategies, streamlined – ideally digital and agile – workflows. An integrated mobility strategy with a vision, concrete objectives, suitable measures and continuous performance monitoring forms the basis of effective mobility planning.
Equally important is an administrative culture shaped by openness, innovation and collaboration across departmental boundaries. Leadership that actively embodies and drives cultural change plays a key role in this.
Practical Insights and Concrete Recommendations
The publication prepared by the PTV Transport Consult team provides practical insights and concrete recommendations on how administrative processes – both formal and informal – can be adjusted. The aim is to make mobility planning more targeted and responsive to people’s needs. The publication The publication “Impulses for Successful Mobility Planning in Municipal Administration” („Impulse für eine erfolgreiche Mobilitätsplanung in der Kommunalverwaltung“, German language) is available for download on the BBSR website (in German language).
Alexander Dahl, Expert Consultant and Project Manager at PTV Transport Consult, highlights the strong motivation evident within municipal administrations:
“I was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm, perseverance and creativity shown by the staff in local administrations as they push mobility planning forward. Their commitment deserves great recognition. This is precisely where our work comes in – showing how structures, processes and an open culture can be shaped to ensure this dedication has the greatest possible impact.”
Efficient Mobility Planning
Using the practical guidance and recommendations provided, municipalities can actively improve their administrative structures, processes, and culture. In addition, they require support from both state and federal levels – for example, through additional personnel, training opportunities, modern technology (digitalisation), and sufficient financial resources. In this way, sustainable mobility planning can ultimately be implemented efficiently and in close alignment with citizens’ needs.
