Hoyerswerda (dpa/sn) - Hoyerswerda is considered a prime example of urban adaptation in a shrinking region - around 70 experts were able to discuss problems in this area on Friday in the East Saxon city. After the forum, the participants should take a look at the solutions in Hoyerswerda. "Our cities and communities are facing a variety of challenges. These include, in particular, a population that is continuing to decline and is getting older, especially in small and medium-sized towns," explained Frank Pfeil, State Secretary in the Ministry for Regional Development.
According to the ministry, the federal and state governments have provided around 6.2 billion for urban development funding in Saxony since 1991. "224 towns and communities have benefited from this so far, and the places have become visibly more attractive and worth living in for everyone," emphasized Pfeil. Experts would estimate that every euro of funding triggers six to eight times as much follow-up investment. A permanent series of events begins with the specialist forum. "We want to promote the exchange of experiences between the cities and municipalities on the one hand, but also the flow of information between the federal, state and municipal authorities on the other."
Funds for urban development funding are made available annually on the basis of administrative agreements between the federal and state governments. The funds are financed equally by both sides. The subsidy rate is two-thirds. In 2021, the sum for Saxony was 152 million euros. They were divided between the "Living Centers" (54 million euros), "Social Cohesion" (39 million euros) and "Growth and Sustainable Renewal" (59 million euros) programs.
