While global challenges are addressed by national governments, increasingly subnational actors such as states, communities, and cities have to take action when traditional nation-states have been unable to make progress due to political polarization and partisan gridlocks. This trend has also characterized transatlantic relations and the German-American partnership. The German-American State Legislator Dialogue focuses on the role of state representatives from both countries in addressing common transatlantic challenges at the state and local level.
In recent years, many cities in Germany and the United States have experienced dramatic increases in real estate values such that affordable housing is no longer available for both lower-income and many middle-class residents. The rise in prices is caused by a range of issues including housing shortages or high demand in regions with strong job markets. Coupled with rising energy prices, affordable housing and sustainable urban development have become critical issues for communities in both countries. To ensure that urban areas remain vibrant and diverse, policymakers need to explore new policy tools that address zoning, taxes and subsidies, and smart growth, among other issues. How are U.S. states and German Länder helping their urban communities confront these challenges?
Join the American Council on Germany and the Aspen Institute Germany for our next State-to-State: German-American State Legislator Dialogue for a discussion with German and American state legislators including Dr. Anke Frieling (CDU), Hamburg Parliament; Mathias Schulz (SPD), Berlin House of Representatives; and Marvin E. Holmes, Jr. (D), Maryland House of Delegates.