German Public Servant Honored for Decades of Family-Friendly Community Work
Kurt Josef Lacher has received one of Germany's highest honours for his decades of work in public service. The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany was presented to him at Bodelshausen Town Hall. Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism, led the ceremony on behalf of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Lacher's career focused on making municipalities more family-friendly. As Bodelshausen's former head of administration, he researched what residents needed from their communities. His findings helped create the Guide to Family-Friendly Municipalities, a key resource for local governments.
In 2015, he co-developed the Family-Friendly Municipality Plus quality seal, which set new standards across Baden-Württemberg. By March 2026, 148 municipalities in the region will have earned this certification. Lacher also understood the role of local businesses in improving family life, ensuring their involvement in community projects.
Beyond administrative work, he dedicated time to preserving Bodelshausen's history. He organised the town's 900th-anniversary celebrations and contributed to a local history book. His efforts extended to designing a heritage trail and maintaining the municipality's historical collection.
The Order of Merit recognises Lacher's lifelong contributions to public service and local development. His work has left a lasting impact on family-friendly policies and heritage preservation in Baden-Württemberg. The award highlights how individual dedication can shape communities for the better.
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