The successes of reconstruction and the redesign of fundamental structures after World War II can largely be attributed to the commitment of numerous dedicated local politicians. The career and work of such a man are the focus of this book. Hans Reschke served as the mayor of Mannheim, the second-largest city in Baden-Württemberg, from 1956 to 1972. The lawyer arrived in the southwestern part of the Federal Republic of Germany through various professional stages. After a rocky start in office due to his Nazi past, the initially highly controversial figure quickly gained the trust of the administration, city council, and citizens, with whom he shaped the image of the city during those years. It was necessary to untangle the variety of tasks and establish a sensible prioritization against the backdrop of the economic miracle and the impending changes.