Online survey on the future of the region starts on October 26th
How should Darmstadt, together with the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, develop in the coming years? Which places are particularly important to people, and what makes the region a great place to live? Answers to these questions will be incorporated into the Darmstadt 2035 growth plan. To this end, the City of Darmstadt and the Darmstadt-Dieburg district will launch a joint online survey on Monday, October 26, 2026.
All residents of the city and surrounding district can participate until November 26th. Participation is anonymous, takes less than ten minutes, and requires no special expertise.
Citizens can mark important locations on a map
The survey focuses on how people perceive and experience their region.
Participants can mark on a digital map which areas they personally consider to be part of their region and which places have special significance for them.
Furthermore, they are asked what makes Darmstadt and the surrounding district particularly livable from their point of view today, and what conditions must be met for the region to continue to develop positively in the future.
With these questions, the city and district want to gather different perspectives from the population and incorporate them into further planning.
Joint development of the city and the district
The Darmstadt 2035 growth plan is intended to help shape the future development of the science city and the surrounding district together.
The close connection between Darmstadt and the municipalities of the surrounding district plays an important role in this. Many people live, work, and spend their leisure time across the respective city and municipal boundaries.
Mayor Hanno Benz therefore emphasizes the importance of a joint consideration of the region.
“Darmstadt is not growing alone, but together with the surrounding district. The people who live here know best what this region should look like,” explains Benz.
He calls on the population to participate in the survey and to show what makes their region worth living in.
The perspective of the district is also needed
District Administrator Klaus Peter Schellhaas emphasizes that the development of the region cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of the city of Darmstadt.
“Whether in Dieburg, Pfungstadt or Darmstadt – everyday life does not end at the respective town limits,” explains Schellhaas.
The assessments of people from the municipalities within the district are particularly important for the growth plan. The goal is to shape the development of the city and district together.
The online survey is therefore explicitly aimed at all residents of the entire region.
The results will be incorporated into the target vision for 2035
The results of the survey will be incorporated into a joint vision for Darmstadt and the region in 2035.
This gives citizens the opportunity to contribute their ideas and wishes regarding future development at this stage.
The survey runs from October 26th to November 26th, 2026 inclusive. Further information on the growth plan and upcoming investment opportunities will also be published on the digital investment platform.
The most important data
Project: Darmstadt Growth Plan 2035
Organizers: City of Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg district
Start of the online survey: Monday, October 26, 2026
Closing date for entries: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Eligible to participate: All residents of Darmstadt and the Darmstadt-Dieburg district
Duration: Less than ten minutes
Participation: Anonymous, no special expertise required
Topics: Quality of life, important places in the region, regional identity and future development
Cost: Free
Online survey and further information: wachstumsplandarmstadt.mitmachen.app
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
