By conferring honorary citizenship, the city’s governing bodies recognized his outstanding contributions, which he made during his tireless service in local politics from 1960 to 1980, including eight years as a full-time city council member responsible for schools, culture, and sports, and twelve years as mayor of the state capital, Wiesbaden.

During this time, he made a name for himself in the areas of urban development, the promotion of public transportation, the expansion of the spa and convention industries, social housing, business development, securing the energy supply, and the establishment and expansion of city-to-city partnerships.

Former Mayor Rudi Schmitt, born on January 8, 1928, was awarded the Honorary Plaque of the State Capital of Wiesbaden and the Grand Cross of Merit of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his service. He passed away in Wiesbaden on April 10, 2026.