Together for Suhl: Four cities combined in the upper center!

Together for Suhl: Four cities combined in the upper center!

Suhl, Deutschland - The cities of Suhl, Schleusingen, Zella-Mehlis and Oberhof have come together under the roof of a new upper center to actively shape their future. At a time when smaller cities face numerous challenges, the representatives of this region have set a strong sign of common ground. Because it is important to promote the quality of life and the economic development in the communities sustainably, such as [Insuedthueringen] (https://www.insuedthueringen.de/inhalt.suhl-oberhof-oberzentrum-gemeitungen-gemeinde-gemeinde.

A central goal of this cooperation is the marketing of the region beyond its own limits. On July 7, 2025, the municipalities will present their attractiveness at the “Day of Regions 2025” in Bremerhaven. The collaboration is emphasized by Anne Schlegel, one of the central figures of the municipal working group (KAG). In addition to Schlegel, Mayor Daniel Fischer from Oberhof and Christin Ehrhardt from KAG's business development agency also take a leading role.

positive balance of inter -municipal cooperation

Another milestone in this cooperation was the presentation of the results of a study project on February 12, 2025. Here, the analyzes of the Bauhaus University Weimar were presented, which took a close look at the inter-municipal cooperation between Suhl and Zella-Mehlis. The event in the Congress Centrum Suhl attracted numerous mayors, representatives of KAG and interested parties. André Knapp, Mayor of Suhl, underlined the positive feedback on the cooperation projects and the intention of further expanding them in order to promote both the economy and the quality of life in the region, such as [Oberzentrum Südthüringen] (https://oberzentrum-suedthuedingen.de/positive-bilanz-studienprojekt-bestaetigt-der-der- interprunalen- der-vier-staedtte-ober-schleusingen-and-zella-mehlis/) reported.

Special attention was paid to questions of mobility, education and civil society engagement. The response to the results was consistently positive, because the collaboration is a real engine for innovation and identity. First successes, for example in the area of ​​cultural and volunteer projects, were also recognized. Project manager Anton Brokow-Loga confirmed that inter-municipal cooperation is perceived as an opportunity to better manage regional challenges.

funding and future outlook

Financial support is also crucial for this promising cooperation. By April 2024, KAG will receive a total of 700,000 euros from the "Active Regional Development" funding initiative. From June 2024, this support will continue by the "Design Region" initiative, with a further amount of 500,000 euros by autumn 2026 to strengthen the regions. These financial means should help to use synergies and to promote knowledge exchange among the municipalities.

Inter-municipal cooperation can also go beyond the borders of North Rhine-Westphalia, which expands the possibilities of cooperation. Interested projects are encouraged to have a role model and can draw from various areas of the municipal tasks, as described on the page MHKBD.

Overall, it can be said that the cities in the upper center have a good hand when it comes to pursuing their common goals. The challenges are great, but with the previous positive record of cooperation, the municipalities seem to be well positioned in order to continue to be successful in the future.