The outgoing Lord Mayor Sven Gerich signed the Golden Book of the Hessian state capital at the end of his term of office, which began on July 2, 2013, during a special meeting of the city council in the town hall. This honor has a long tradition, as it has been bestowed on all predecessors in office since 1980. Finally, the new Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende was inaugurated during the special session.