Money matters - Launch of financing for increased collaboration among cities
Rhineland-Palatinate's government has introduced a program to encourage collaboration among municipalities, allowing them to apply for funding towards the launch of such partnerships. This announcement was made by Mainz's Interior Ministry on Thursday. According to Interior Minister Michael Ebling (SPD), these alliances can help simplify tasks and prepare administration for the future by promoting networking and cooperation.
Municipalities can receive funds for various projects under this program, including those focused on digital administration, improved cybersecurity, and enhanced fire and disaster protection. The ministry indicated that such partnerships could be particularly beneficial in addressing the shortage of skilled workers, as knowledge-sharing between employee groups from different municipalities can lead to more efficient use of resources.
An example of successful inter-municipal cooperation is the joint vehicle registration project in the Eifel-Mosel-Hunsrück model region, involving the districts of Cochem-Zell, Bernkastel-Wittlich, and Vulkaneifel. The funding limit for a joint project by three municipalities is set at 210,000 euros, and for four, it is 320,000 euros. The ministry also confirmed that exceptions may be made if non-neighboring municipalities join forces on projects requiring additional support.
For more information on this pilot funding scheme for inter-municipal cooperation, visit [https://www.landtag.rlp.de/pressemitteilungen/2023/03/09/pilotfoerderung-fuer-interkommunale-zusammenarbeit].
