Workshop of the districts and regional planning associations 14.08.2025
Workshop for rural districts and regional planning associations on the objectives, topics and content of a possible municipal association for the Dresden region
On August 14, 2025, representatives of the state capital Dresden and the four districts of Bautzen, Meissen, Central Saxony, and Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains met with representatives of the regional planning associations of Upper Lusatia-Lower Silesia and Saxon Switzerland-Upper Elbe. The workshop focused on the goals, topics, and activities of a possible future Dresden Region Municipal Association from the perspective of the districts and regional planning associations.
During the workshop, key considerations for establishing the Dresden Region Municipal Association were presented. The goal is to achieve stronger, formally organized cooperation between cities, municipalities, and districts in the Dresden region.
The following framework and goals were discussed in the workshop:
- Exchange and interest platform for municipalities
- Focus on non-material tasks
- Possible topics: housing, commercial space, transportation, labor and skilled workers, education and training, population development
After examining various options, the legal form recommended was that of a registered association (e. V.) – for voluntary cooperation “on an equal footing.” In addition, the Dresden Region Municipal Association is intended to strengthen a shared sense of community and position the Dresden region as an attractive place to live and do business.
By early 2026, specific areas of action are to be explored in greater depth and joint projects defined. Among other things, the selection of the important development projects listed below will be taken into account, which are of particular significance for the region in addition to the development in the north of Dresden:
- Lithium mining in Altenberg
- Dresden-Prague Tunnel of Deutsche Bahn AG
- Oberelbe Industrial Park
- Smart Mobility Lab Hoyerswerda
- Large commercial areas (for example Großenhain and Klipphausen)
The results of the workshop were summarized together with the survey of the 96 cities and municipalities in the region from August 2025 and presented at the meeting of the Dresden Region Steering Group on September 4, 2025, in Dresden.