Rosenheim recently witnessed several notable events reflecting community engagement and initiatives aimed at enhancing local governance and safety measures. Among these were the U18 elections, recognition for economic contributions, and innovative campaigns promoting outdoor safety.
The U18 election, held between February 7 and 14, allowed over 1,000 children and teenagers from Rosenheim to participate, providing them with their first taste of democracy prior to the upcoming Bundestag elections. Notably, the Christian Social Union (CSU) garnered approximately 22.4 percent of votes, closely followed by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 21.4 percent. Green Party candidates secured around 14 percent, and The Left achieved 13.7 percent. This voting turnout was enthusiastically endorsed by local youth leaders, emphasizing the importance of political engagement from a young age.
Laura Paas, the 16-year-old chair of the Rosenheim Youth Council, celebrated the election as encouraging, remarking, "Die U18-Wahl war wieder ein Erfolg und zeigt, dass die Jugend keineswegs politikverdrossen ist," which translates to: "The U18 election was again a success and shows the youth are not disillusioned with politics." Her deputy, Valentin Laupheimer, added, "Es zeigt außerdem, dass sich die Jugend engagiert," or "It also shows the youth are engaged," highlighting the responsibility young people feel toward their future.
On February 19, the city awarded its esteemed Economic Prize to TM Börsenverlag AG, honoring its significant contributions to the local economy and entrepreneurial spirit. Awards are restricted to three recipients per election period, and this year’s honorees were chosen from 15 nominations. Thomas Müller, the founder and CEO, collected the accolade which included both certificate and unique "Mountain Climber" trophy. Müller’s later speech filled the room with laughter, showcasing the positive impact his firm has made on the region.
"We want to create visibility for our entrepreneurial achievements. Our platform boerse.de caters comprehensively to 1.5 million users monthly, and our investment options firmly place Rosenheim on the financial map," Müller expressed during the ceremony. His remarks underline the growth of financial activities based there, with substantial economic volumes involved.
Rosenheim’s active pursuit of community outreach doesn't stop at financial recognition. Concurrently, local organizations, including the traffic working group of the Green Party, launched their Pool Noodle campaign, signaling the need for safe biking conditions. With pool noodles attached to their bicycles, 25 participants rode through the streets demonstrating the legally mandated overtaking distance of 1.5 meters. Andreas van Eyken, the group spokesperson, emphasized the campaign’s necessity by stating, "Wir wollen zeigen, wie wichtig es ist, dass Autofahrer Rücksicht nehmen und den notwendigen Abstand einhalten," meaning "We want to show how important it is for drivers to take care and maintain the necessary distance."
He continued to argue for improved infrastructure, noting, "Farbe auf der Straße ist kein ausreichender Schutz für die schwächsten Verkehrsteilnehmerinnen," translating to, "Color on the road is not sufficient protection for the most vulnerable road users." This initiative draws attention to the pressing need for comprehensive cycling paths, particularly emphasizing children's safety on their routes to school.
Uwe Hammer, chairman of the ADFC Rosenheim, voiced support for sustainable mobility changes, staying firm on the need to establish environments where children can confidently bike independently to school. "Ein sicherer Schulweg ist ein entscheidender Schritt für eine nachhaltige Verkehrswende," he pointed out, meaning "A safe route to school is a decisive step for sustainable transport transformation."
This pool noodle initiative not only aims to educate but also aligns with the city's broader mobility concepts proposed by planners, which include comprehensive bike paths and adjustments to downtown traffic flows. By weaving such threads together—youth engagement, economic recognition, and road safety awareness—Rosenheim is setting a precedent for community interaction and proactive governance.
These events collectively shape the fabric of Rosenheim, demonstrating how the community thrives through active participation and thoughtful initiatives. Whether it be through youth voting or promoting safety and economic growth, the citizens of Rosenheim are continuing to embrace their roles as engaged community members.