Urban Development : Germany

The settlement pattern in Germany, which is characterized by increasing concentration and urbanization, as well as the differences between the old and new states have also profoundly affected land utilization. About 11.3 percent of Germany’s total land area consists of settled areas and traffic routes. The percentage is considerably higher (12.7 percent) in the western states than in the eastern states (7.9 percent). No single major metropolis dominates the settlement pattern in Germany; instead there is a relatively even distribution of larger cities and conurbations throughout the federal territory.

Assistance for urban development and village renewal, which began in 1971, is a joint undertaking by the federal, state and local governments to preserve, renew and develop Germany’s cities, towns and villages. 25 years of federal assistance for urban development in the old states and more than five years in the new states - supplemented by programs of the individual states - above all means:

i>systematic, legally and financially sound, and municipally and socially responsible renewal and development of Germany’s cities, towns and villages improvements in both the quality of life and environmental quality measures to support changes in economic structures; and ^maintenance and preservation of the cultural heritage of Germany’s cities, towns and villages.

With its various forms of financial assistance, the Federation participates in the financing of urban development measures of the municipalities in order to compensate the latter’s different economic strengths and promote economic growth. In view of the tremendous ongoing need for preservation and renewal in the cities, towns and municipalities of the new states, promotion of urban development there will continue to be a key priority. Federal financial assistance totaling DM520 million has been made available in 1997. DM 80 million has been budgeted in 1 997 for the promotion of urban renewal and development in the west.