Together for Suhl: Four cities united in the regional center!

Together for Suhl: Four cities united in the regional center!

The cities of Suhl, Schleusingen, Zella-Mehlis and Oberhof have come together under the roof of a new regional center in order to actively shape their future. At a time when smaller cities are facing numerous challenges, the representatives of this region have sent a strong signal of unity. Because it is important to sustainably promote the quality of life and economic development in the communities, as Insuedthueringen reports.

A central goal of this collaboration is to market the region beyond its own borders. On July 7, 2025, the municipalities will present their attractiveness at the “Day of the Regions 2025” in Bremerhaven. Anne Schlegel, one of the central figures in the Municipal Working Group (KAG), emphasizes the collaboration as indispensable. In addition to Schlegel, Mayor Daniel Fischer of Oberhof and Christin Ehrhardt from the KAG's economic development department also play a leading role.

Positive balance of intermunicipal cooperation

Another milestone in this cooperation was the presentation of the results of a study project on February 12, 2025. The analyzes from the Bauhaus University Weimar were presented, which examined the intermunicipal cooperation between Suhl and Zella-Mehlis. The event in the Congress Center Suhl attracted numerous mayors, KAG representatives and interested parties. André Knapp, Mayor of Suhl, emphasized the positive feedback on the cooperation projects and the intention to further expand them in order to promote both the economy and the quality of life in the region, such as Oberzentrum Southern Thuringia reported.

A particular focus was on 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. Initial 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 overcome regional challenges.

Funding and future outlook

Financial support is also crucial for this promising collaboration. The KAG will receive a total of 700,000 euros from the “Active Regional Development” funding initiative until April 2024. From June 2024, this support will be continued through the “Shaping Regions” initiative, with a further amount of 500,000 euros until autumn 2026 to strengthen the regions. These financial resources are intended to help exploit synergies and promote knowledge exchange among municipalities.

Inter-municipal cooperation can also extend beyond the borders of North Rhine-Westphalia, which expands the possibilities for cooperation. Interested projects are encouraged to serve as role models and can draw on various areas of municipal tasks, as described on the page [Mhkbd](https://www.mhkbd.nrw/foerderprogramme/foerderung-interkommunaler- Zusammenarbeit-ikz-nrw).

Overall, it can be said that the cities in the regional center have a good hand when it comes to pursuing their common goals. The challenges are great, but with the positive balance of cooperation so far, the municipalities appear to be well positioned to continue to be successful in the future.