Episode 82: Dealing with Social Divisions and Integration in Memmingen

On this episode of The Zeitgeist, AGI President Jeff Rathke and Susanne Dieper, Director of Programs and Grants, discuss the latest findings in the AGI project “Social Divisions and Questions of Identity in Germany and the United States.” Project participants Carolynn Welch, Executive Director at Westminster Economic Development Initiative, and Alexander Thamm, a moderator based in Berlin, Germany, share their impressions and findings of the group’s visit to Memmingen, Bavaria, where participants engaged in intensive discussions with each other as well as a broader community of experts and stakeholders. What are the most important issues regarding migration and identity in local politics? How have economic and demographic changes shaped the needs and priorities of local residents, and what policies have authorities implemented to address these issues? Are there any notable parallels or contrasts between Memmingen and its sister city Glendale, Arizona, which the project participants visited last fall? The AGI project “Social Divisions and Questions of Identity in Germany and the United States” seeks to establish new connections within and between communities and is supported by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Host Jeff Rathke, President, AGI Guests Susanne Dieper, Director of Programs and Grants, AGI Carolynn Welch, Executive Director, Westminster Economic Development Initiative Alexander Thamm, Moderator