Mayor Eva Linhart

As (second) mayor, I represent the Lord Mayor. Together with the city council and the administration, I want to seize the opportunities for sustainable change in Erlangen. Our city is facing major challenges - from the difficult budget situation and the renovation backlog to climate change and digitalization. At the same time, Erlangen has enormous strengths: strong companies, a university and hospitals, committed associations and a vibrant urban society.

It is important to me to create good location conditions for people, business, trade, science and research. I see climate protection and economic development as joint success factors that must go hand in hand. At the same time, Erlangen must remain affordable - with sufficient affordable housing and sustainable mobility with the city-countryside railroad as the backbone. Equally important to me is appreciation for all those who are committed to our city.

My areas of responsibility include the Office for Digitalization, Sport, Fire Service and Civil Protection. I also chair the Environment, Transport and Planning Committee.

I am also Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of GEWOBAU and Deputy Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Erlanger Stadtwerke. This means that I share responsibility for key future issues in our city - from affordable housing, energy supply and mobility to digitalization and services of general interest.

I see digitalization in particular as a great opportunity to make administrative processes faster, simpler and more citizen-friendly. It is important to me to develop the various areas together and to be approachable - for employees of the administration as well as for citizens, associations, companies and organizations in our city.

For me, the mixture of internationality and manageability is what makes Erlangen so special. Erlangen's city center is one of the clearest and best-preserved baroque planned cities in Germany. It is characterized by Huguenot architecture, spacious squares, the palace gardens, lively university flair and an international spirit.

Erlangen offers a wide range of cultural and sporting activities, numerous shopping opportunities and impressive international cuisine - and much of it is easily accessible by bike. People from all over the world live together here, get involved in clubs and celebrate festivals together, some of which are centuries-old traditions. All of this makes Erlangen a real gem with a high quality of life.

There are many beautiful places in our city. I particularly like the view from the upper floors of the town hall over the whole of Erlangen - it's there that you first see how green and urban our city is.

Anyone visiting Erlangen should definitely take a look at the area around Schlossplatz, Schlossgarten, Botanical Gardens and Schiffstraße. With its baroque architecture, spacious squares and many cafés and restaurants, this area has a very special flair that always reminds me of France.

And, of course, the Bergkirchweih is an absolute must. One of the oldest beer festivals in Germany, beautifully situated under trees on a hillside, with lots of delicacies and a variety of rides, it is simply part of Erlangen.

And even outside the Bergkirchweih, a visit to the cellars or a guided tour of the historic rock cellars is well worthwhile.

To relax, I like to go for walks or hikes - for example, directly from home through the Röthelheimpark into the Reichswald or through the Meilwald up towards Atzelsberg. It's a wonderful place to switch off and you often don't even realize how close you are to the city.

The castle garden is also a special place for me. As soon as you step through the gate, the hustle and bustle of the city center stays outside for a while. Sitting under the old trees, watching people or simply taking a deep breath is real relaxation for me in the middle of the city.

A coffee maker: Not just to wake up in the morning. I just love the smell and taste of good coffee.

My bike and hiking boots: Whether I’m biking around town or hiking in the mountains—exercise and time in nature help me clear my head and relax.

And my cell phone: My constant companion for staying reachable, getting information, and keeping in touch.

It’s incredibly varied. My daily routine ranges from internal coordination with my departments, the administration, and our municipal subsidiaries, to political consultations, chairing meetings, and attending public events and delivering opening remarks. On top of that, I visit businesses, advocacy groups, clubs, and organizations, and engage in direct dialogue with citizens.

In short: a job with many different topics, encounters, and appointments—and certainly one where there’s never a dull moment.

It’s important to me to be approachable and to listen to the concerns of the people in our city—as well as those of the city’s employees.

The most reliable way to reach me is by email: bm2@stadt.erlangen.de.

Of course, people often stop me on the street or contact me via social media. That’s perfectly fine for making initial contact. A face-to-face conversation is often particularly pleasant and rewarding.