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Small towns play a decisive role in ensuring equal living conditions. In rural and peripheral areas, they are anchor points for regional services of general interest and economic development. In the environs of metropolises and large cities, small towns are attractive residential locations that also have a lot to offer in terms of local supply for the population and as locations for businesses.
But what distinguishes small towns from medium-sized and large cities? Under what framework conditions can and must they cope with the major challenges of the day, such as pandemics, climate change, the loss of biodiversity, resource scarcity, migration, demographic change or digitalisation and upheavals in the economy? The concepts and strategies gained from big city research cannot simply be transferred to small towns. Therefore, small towns need targeted support in their development.
The publication presents the current state and development trends of small towns on the basis of comprehensive quantitative empirical data and analyses, namely for the topics of settlement and urban structure, labour market and economy, services of general interest, finance and governance. Finally, the strategies of urban development that are particularly relevant for small towns are highlighted and the commitment of the federal government to support small towns through its initiatives and urban development funding as well as through the research activities of the BBSR.
Contact:
Antonia Milbert (
antonia.milbert@bbr.bund.de
),
Lars Porsche (
lars.porsche@bbr.bund.de
)
Foreword