Future of economic development: Six paths for the Werra-Meißner district!

Future of economic development: Six paths for the Werra-Meißner district!

There is a lot of movement in economic development in the Werra-Meißner district. Witzenhausen's planned exit from the Economic Development Agency (WFG) by the end of 2026 raises questions and requires careful consideration of the future of the organization. The Hessian Court of Auditors has also identified an above-average deficit in economic and sports development as well as in the tourism sector, which increases the pressure to act. As reported, the district council is discussing various options for the WFG, all 16 cities and municipalities in the district, as well as other shareholders such as the IHK Kassel-Marburg and the Sparkasse Werra-Meißner at its meeting.

A total of six different models for the future of the WFG were presented, which are being closely examined by the members of the district council:

• Die WFG bleibt unverändert und es wird eine neue Geschäftsführerstelle besetzt.
• Die WFG bleibt unverändert, allerdings wird kein neuer Geschäftsführer eingestellt, was das Leistungsangebot reduzieren würde.
• Der Kreis tritt mit 26 % Anteil aus der WFG aus, während die verbleibenden Gesellschafter diesen Anteil übernehmen.
• Eine Auflösung der WFG könnte durch eine Dreiviertelmehrheit der Gesellschafter erfolgen, was jedoch vorherige Beschlüsse in den Parlamenten der Städte und Gemeinden erfordert.
• Die Städte und Gemeinden könnten selbst die Wirtschaftsförderung übernehmen oder eine interkommunale Zusammenarbeit gründen, was jedoch ohne Kosten für den Kreis abläuft, aber auch ohne Einfluss ist.
• Eine Integration der Wirtschaftsförderung in die Kreisverwaltung könnte ebenfalls in Betracht gezogen werden, wobei die Kosten vom Kreis getragen werden.

Political reactions

The Green parliamentary group leader Sigrid Erfurth expressed concerns that Witzenhausen's departure without prior discussion at the shareholders' meeting would leave a bad impression. Your argument was supported by Dr. Erhard Niklass (FDP) and Karl Jeanrond (SPD), who advocated waiting for the final results before taking further steps. District Administrator Nicole Rathgeber has also announced a workshop for the shareholders to make the process more transparent.

Current funding opportunities in the Werra-Meißner district

In the meantime, economic development in the Werra-Meißner district remains active and offers various programs to support companies. The Werra-Meißner-Kreis, for example, provides information about the company bicycle funding that will take place on November 27, 2025. In addition, the HessenFonds is available to offer low-interest loans for innovative and sustainable projects, while the special restaurant program provides grants for investments in rural areas. These grants can amount to up to 45% of eligible expenses, provided there is a minimum investment of 15,000 euros.

On November 25, 2025, there will be a consultation for small and medium-sized companies and start-ups, organized by various institutions, including WIBank, the IHK and the Chamber of Crafts. In addition to these initiatives, the Werra-Meißner district also offers a number of support programs for company succession and business takeovers in order to strengthen the local economy. The region benefits from good broadband availability and attractive leisure and cultural offerings, which makes it attractive as a family-friendly location.

Overall, economic development in the Werra-Meißner district remains a dynamic issue that continues to require particular attention. The upcoming decisions on the WFG and the support for existing and new companies will be crucial for the future prospects of the region.