Civic Culture Commitment to the community has a tradition in Germany, both in the West – where citizens’ initiatives were once an almost everyday phenomenon, particularly during the 70s and 80s –, and in East Germany at the time of the Wende, when “round tables” were characteristic of cultural and political life. In those days, the models of participation were founded on private activities, but now the impulse towards involvement in social policy and urban planning comes from the state. Faced by empty public coffers and increasing social problems, the success of the IBA Urban Redevelopment 2010 is dependent on a sense of community and active involvement by citizens – there is a new demand for a liberal, open discourse on the quality of urban life. Vol. 2 of the IBA series reflects these changes, and asks how citizens’ commitment – expressed in political discussions, planning and everyday urban culture – has altered during recent years. It introduces new strategies of cooperation to help communities, designers and administration meet the great challenges created by the shrinking of our cities.