Of course, regional planning does not take place in a vacuum. It is informed by the regional development plans of the German states as well as by the Federal Regional Planning Act [“Raumordnungsgesetz”, ROG] and acts as an interface between the general development guidelines issued by the federal state and the specific planning activities of the towns and municipalities. It contains binding specifications for sectoral planning and municipal urban land-use planning. The towns and municipalities are in charge of urban land-use planning. They prepare land use plans that include the existing and planned use of the entire district area. These are used to develop local development plans that are legally binding land-use plans at parcel level – together for the future of the region.

The towns and municipalities provide planning input in the course of several planning rounds (principle of countervailing influence). Associations, authorities, the public, various chambers and trade unions are also involved. These range from the Regional Government Office to the Naturschutzbund conservation group.

Verband Region Stuttgart is in no way limited to rigorously implementing the regional plan. It also provides impetus for regional development, for example by initiating projects. This involves an integrated approach by the region, the local authorities and other institutions. It requires active participation in research projects as well as studies on diverse issues of regional collaboration.

Found out more about past and present projects here.