German Institute of Urban Affairs

Point of view

Local authority budget shortfalls and opportunities for a fresh start

Local authorities are under financial pressure: expenditure is rising, revenue is falling, and investments are not being realised. At the same time, there is growing pressure to organise tasks, responsibilities and funding structures. A fresh start is needed – but not just with more money. read more

Point of view

Local strategies required for handling data centres

The rapid increase in data centres requires an examination of the regional economic effects, energy needs and space management. Municipalities should help shape development at an early stage. read more

Point of view

New visions of the future instead of constant crisis rhetoric

When political discussions are overshadowed by laments about a crisis, there is less room for shaping the future. What is needed is a redefinition of our narratives – and a vision of the city of 2035 that provides courage, guidance and priorities. read more

Point of view

Against the silent danger: Heat protection – a task for us all

Germany is experiencing increasingly frequent and prolonged heatwaves: the early summer of 2025 began with temperatures reaching 40 degrees and two heatwaves, making June 2025 the hottest June ever recorded in western Europe. read more

Research and Publications

OB-Barometer: Finances are the dominant issue for cities

Difu’s annual survey shows that finances are becoming considerably more significant as an issue. Housing, accommodating/integrating refugees and climate change mitigation were ranked much lower. Democratic scepticism and right-wing populism were identified as pressing issues for the first time. read more

Point of view

Public transport – what will the new legislative period bring?

Safeguarding achievements, implementing the coalition agreement – and thinking ahead at the same time: to make public transport fit for the future, we must maintain and expand services while finding viable financing solutions. read more

Research and Publications

Annual Review

In the annual reviews, Difu succinctly presents a selection of its work in research and further training in the field of urban development, social affairs, economy, infrastructure, mobility and environment. read more

The German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu) is the largest urban research institute in the German-speaking region. We advise municipalities on all tasks that they face now and in the future. Independent, objective and profound.

Mission statement

Foto: Pixabay/ User: MERHAL

The research institute of cities and towns

Difu is an institution of solidarity for the German cities and towns. More than 100 municipalities, municipal associations and planning communities support the institute on a voluntary basis and make use of an expanded range of services.

Networks and cooperations

Together with our networks and partners in politics, academia and society, we think progressively about urban development. With our pooled specialist expertise, we support and advise municipalities in making decisions.