Emil Beutinger worked as an architect in Heilbronn and was a university professor in Darmstadt and Wiesbaden until he was elected Lord Mayor in 1921.
While in office, he pushed forward the modernisation of the city. He increased the size of the Kleinäulein industrial estate, supported the construction of the Neckar Canal, modernised the slaughterhouse and expanded the water and gas supply networks.
In March 1933 the national socialists forced him out of office. After the end of the war the Americans reinstated Beutinger as Lord Mayor. Until August 1946 he paved the way for the successful reconstruction of the city.