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Darmstadt focuses on municipal public services and regional cooperation
The science city of Darmstadt is strategically realigning its municipal economy: The 2030 municipal economic strategy focuses on implementing the municipal heat plan , expanding the fiber optic network , and strengthening inter-municipal cooperation in housing construction and public transport. The new strategy was presented on Monday (2nd) by Mayor and Head of Municipal Enterprises Hanno Benz together with the HEAG (Darmstadt's public utility company) board members.
"The city's economic strategy aims to create tangible benefits for citizens through the city's economic enterprises. Social, environmental, and economic aspects are equally important," Benz emphasized.
Key areas of action until 2030
Key objectives include the expansion of district heating and fiber optic networks by ENTEGA , considerations for extending the tram network in the city and surrounding districts, and the regional expansion of housing supply by bauverein AG. Plans also include the construction of housing for trainees, students, and employees of the city's public services. The renovation of existing city-owned properties is also part of the strategy.
Furthermore, the city's economic strategy includes the mergers of the Darmstadt Clinic with the AGAPLESION Elisabethenstift and the Darmstadt and Dieburg savings banks . Other projects include the further development of the autonomous on-demand transport system KIRA by HEAG mobilo and its project partners, as well as the expansion of the neighborhood app and platform "Darmstadt im Herzen" (Darmstadt in the Heart).
Broad participation process
The city's economic strategy for 2030 was developed by a steering committee chaired by Mayor Benz . Participants included City Treasurer André Schellenberg, representatives from the city council factions, the relevant departments, the management of municipal companies, and employee and customer representatives. Interviews with experts from academia, business, and administration were also incorporated. The new strategy replaces the previous economic strategy for 2025 .
Darmstadt's municipal enterprises comprise 115 municipal holdings with approximately 9,500 employees in eight business areas. In the 2024 financial year, these companies generated total revenue of around €4.0 billion with a balance sheet total of approximately €6.5 billion .
“The city's economic strategy combines economic, ecological, and social goals for the next five years – from ensuring essential public services and digitalization to climate protection,” explained HEAG board members Prof. Dr. Klaus-Michael Ahrend and Dr. Markus Hoschek. Implementation is carried out by the city's public utilities and is monitored through target agreements and supervisory bodies.
Following its adoption by the city council, the city's economic strategy for 2030 now publicly available.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/dk/stip)
