Mayor Dr. Peter Kurz: Withdrawal of US troops a challenge, but also opens up opportunities

The withdrawal of US troops from Mannheim and Heidelberg within the coming years offers opportunities whilst also presenting considerable challenges.After a three-year discussion, the US Army Europe has announced that all US troops should be pulled out of Mannheim by 2015.

The local authorities are now faced with a tight schedule with a heavy financial burden. They need to count on support and cooperation on both state and federal level. Benjamin-Franklin Village will require complete redevelopment since its accommodation does not suit the demands of the local housing market.

The mayors of Heidelberg and Mannheim as well as the state government of Baden-Württemberg had strived to keep the US facilities intact. “A reliable and long-term plan is needed to achieve the challenges the withdrawal entails”, Mayor Dr. Kurz stated. However, the challenge also provides huge opportunities for new industrial and residential areas, infrastructure and recreation. The pullout also means that 700 civilians will lose their jobs. The local government and employment office will pull out all the stops to offer them new positions.