Heidelberg (dpa / lsw) - After the avatar for the individual answering of citizens' questions, the city of Heidelberg has now presented the "virtual citizens' office". The offer will supplement the ten locations in the districts with a contact point in the digital space. According to further information from the city, citizens can clarify their concerns there in a personal conversation with a clerk from next Tuesday - quite comfortably from home. The only requirement: an Internet-enabled device (PC, notebook, tablet or smartphone) with a camera and microphone.
"The office must come to the people and not the other way around," said Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU), who is responsible for digitization, on Thursday in Heidelberg. The state is funding the project and four other digitization projects in the municipality on the Neckar with a total of 880,000 euros.
Mayor Eckart Würzner (independent) said: "What is a convenient way for some to clarify their concerns means an important step towards social participation for the next." In the development of the digital city, it is of great importance to take all citizens with you.
On the way to becoming a smart city, Heidelberg is also introducing an avatar in autumn, a figure that represents an active human being in virtual environments. Whether questions about the decision of the municipal council, registering your place of residence or the next bulky waste appointment - the virtual assistant provides citizens with individual answers. The city is one of the first in Germany to use this digital tool.
