New member of the Metropolitan Conference Zurich
The Baden Regio Regional Planning Association is now a member of the Zurich Metropolitan Area Association. This is a significant step for the Zurich Metropolitan Conference: Baden Regio is the first regional institution to utilise the newly established option in the association's statutes to become a full member of the Zurich Metropolitan Conference as a region - alongside cantons, cities and municipalities. The previous sub-regions Frauenfeld and Wil have also adopted the new membership model.
The new statutes were adopted by the association members at the spring conference in mid-June 2023. The revision gives new weight to regional bodies, as they can now apply for full membership alongside municipalities, cities and cantons. The aim is to achieve a greater reach through a larger number of municipalities and to strengthen the regional level in the metropolitan area. The exchange between the various regions contributes to the further development of the area. In contrast to the previous model of sub-regions, the new model also offers financial incentives.
Baden Regio was the first region to make use of this opportunity and joined as a new full member with all of its 23 towns and municipalities. Previously, only the four municipalities of Baden, Ennetbaden, Neuenhof and Wettingen were members of the association. They will now participate as part of the Baden Regio corporation. Thanks to Baden Regio, the new statutory provisions will be applied for the first time. The regional association, in particular its President Roland Kuster, was already heavily involved in the groundwork and the drafting of the amendment to the statutes. Kuster emphasises: “For the economically strong Limmat Valley and the Reuss Valley with its preferred residential locations, it is of enormous importance how the Greater Zurich Area can position itself nationally and internationally.” Anders Stokholm, President of the Metropolitan Conference, also emphasises: “We are very grateful that the Canton of Aargau and Baden Regio have strongly supported us in this important step.” The existing sub-regions of Frauenfeld and Wil are also applying the new model. Almost all of the municipalities there were already members of the association.
Aargau cantonal councillor Dieter Egli commented on the new membership: “Cooperation in the Zurich Metropolitan Conference is very valuable, as it encompasses both levels of government, municipalities and canton. I am therefore delighted that all municipalities in Baden Regio can now join the organisation together. Especially in the Ostaargau region, the relationships in the economic area are very intensive – and crucial.”
Baden Regio is one of twelve planning associations in the canton of Aargau and stands for a well-connected region. The member municipalities work together to promote sustainable regional development. The Baden Regio planning association has been a strong voice for the municipalities in the region for 75 years. It pursues the common goals of the largest and most important residential and economic region in the canton of Aargau. As a planning association, Baden Regio handles assignments in the areas of location marketing, spatial planning & transport, nature & environment and health & social affairs and coordinates these with the municipalities.
This expertise is also of great benefit to the Zurich Metropolitan Conference and its member cantons, cities and municipalities. As a pilot region, Baden Regio could motivate other regions to work together to strengthen the Zurich metropolitan area.