Validated Expert info
Expert can perform the Lead expert role and Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:
1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities
2. Thematic expertise:
[Climate adaptation; Participative governance; Strategic urban planning; Urban design]
3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
> Integrated and participatory design of strategies
> Sustaining stakeholder engagement and translating strategies into actions
Summary
Creating resilient and people-centred transformation
About me
I am a climate resilience and urban transformation professional with experience in public administration, project management and participatory processes. Over the past years, I have worked with municipalities, interdisciplinary teams and changemakers to support sustainable and future-oriented transformation processes.
My professional background includes work in the fields of climate adaptation, local governance and strategic urban development, including positions with the Cities of Munich and Regensburg. Over time, my work increasingly focused not only on technical solutions, but also on governance, collaboration and the question of how transformation can successfully be embedded into administrative and political structures.
Today, I work as an independent expert, trainer and facilitator because I want to support other cities and organisations in navigating complexity, strengthening resilience and creating effective and sustainable processes for change.
What drives me most is creating clarity in complex situations and helping people and organisations move from ideas to meaningful action. I particularly enjoy creating open and engaging spaces where people feel encouraged to exchange perspectives, reflect honestly and explore new possibilities together.
Areas of expertise
My work combines technical expertise, strategic thinking and people-centred facilitation. I particularly enjoy supporting municipalities and networks in turning ambitious ideas into realistic and impactful implementation processes.
Climate adaptation & resilience
I support municipalities and organisations in developing climate adaptation strategies, resilience measures and integrated approaches for long-term transformation. My experience includes heat action planning, heavy rainfall risk management, urban climate analysis and the development of climate-resilient public spaces.
Participation & stakeholder engagement
A key part of my work is designing and facilitating participatory processes across departments, sectors and stakeholder groups. I create formats that foster trust, shared ownership and meaningful collaboration, especially in complex governance settings.
Strategy & transformation processes
I support organisations and teams in navigating complexity, creating shared visions and translating strategic goals into practical and implementable steps. My work focuses particularly on strengthening governance structures, internal collaboration and sustainable implementation processes.
Capacity building & learning
I develop and facilitate workshops, seminars and peer-learning formats focused on empowerment, collaboration and practical implementation. My aim is to strengthen people and organisations in their ability to create meaningful and lasting change.
What I bring to international networks
I enjoy working in international and interdisciplinary environments and believe that sustainable urban transformation starts with strong relationships, shared learning and openness to new perspectives.
Through my work in municipalities, European evaluation processes, conferences and international exchange formats, I bring both practical implementation experience and a broad understanding of current urban challenges and developments.
What I particularly bring to networks is the ability to combine strategic thinking with empathy, clarity and structure. I enjoy connecting people, perspectives and ideas and creating spaces where collaboration, inspiration and innovation can emerge naturally.
A particular strength of my work is helping people and organisations see challenges from new perspectives and identify new pathways for action. I often support groups in moving from complexity or uncertainty towards clarity, motivation and realistic next steps for implementation.
Selected experience & engagements
- Expert Evaluator for European Commission programmes such as Horizon Europe and LIFE, contributing to the assessment of innovative projects in the fields of climate action and sustainable urban development (since 2025)
- Facilitator of a strategic workshop on municipal climate adaptation processes for the City of Graz, Austria (2025)
- Workshop facilitator and speaker at Urban Future, including moderation of an international press conference and workshops on resilience and transformation (2025–2026)
- Lecturer and co-developer of a certified training programme for municipal climate managers in cooperation with vhw (Bundesverband für Wohnen und Stadtentwicklung) and Umweltinstitut Offenbach, Germany (2024–today)
- Speaker at the Klimapakt Day in Luxembourg on climate adaptation strategies, municipal empowerment and local implementation processes for municipalities (2026)
- Initiator and project lead of the federally funded project “KlaR – Climate Adaptation in Regensburg: Making Resilience Tangible” focused on climate-resilient public space transformation (2023–2026)
- Climate Resilience Manager for the City of Regensburg with responsibility for strategy development, heat and heavy rainfall management, stakeholder coordination and implementation processes (2018–2025)
- Environmental precaution and climate adaptation expert within urban planning processes for the City of Munich (2014–2018)
Contact
Website. https://www.katharinaschaetz.de/en
Email: mail@katharinaschaetz.de
