The small city of Eisenhüttenstadt, located in eastern Germany near the Polish border, has launched an innovative project to attract new residents and counter the population decline affecting the region since German reunification in 1990. Through the “Make Plans Now” program, the local government offers two weeks of free accommodation in furnished apartments in the city center from September 6 to 20, 2025, for individuals interested in settling there. Applications, open until early July, aim to attract skilled workers, self-employed individuals, and even former residents, promoting community integration and job opportunities. The initiative, which includes guided tours, company visits, and job interviews, seeks to revitalize the local economy and preserve the historical legacy of a city planned during the socialist era.
The program stands out for its practical approach. During the stay, participants will experience the city’s daily life, exploring everything from urban infrastructure to available job opportunities. The local steelworks, the region’s largest employer, is a cornerstone of the economy and will be open for visits and internships.
- Cultural integration: Guided tours highlight the socialist architecture and the city’s history.
- Job opportunities: Local companies offer job shadowing and interviews.
- Accessibility: Furnished apartments ensure comfort during the experience.
This strategy reflects an attempt to reverse the population exodus that has reduced Eisenhüttenstadt’s inhabitants from 50,000 at its peak to about 24,000 today.
Origin of a planned city
Founded in 1950, Eisenhüttenstadt was the first planned city of the former East Germany, designed to house workers for the steelworks that drove the socialist economy. Its architecture, characterized by large, symmetrical buildings, reflects the urban ideals of the time, with open and functional spaces. Today, these elements attract tourists and history enthusiasts, but the city faces challenges in maintaining its vitality. The steelworks, employing around 2,500 people, remains the economic heart, but population decline has limited local growth. The free stay program thus aims to rekindle interest in the city, attracting new residents who value its unique heritage.
Eisenhüttenstadt’s urban structure, with wide avenues and green areas, was designed to offer quality of life. Despite the population decline, the city maintains essential services such as schools, hospitals, and local commerce, which will be showcased to program participants.
Participant profile
The “Make Plans Now” program targets a diverse audience, from professionals seeking new opportunities to individuals with past ties to the city. The local government prioritizes candidates who show interest in settling long-term.
- Skilled workers: Technical and industrial professions are particularly valued due to the steelworks’ demand.
- Self-employed: Entrepreneurs can explore the local market, which seeks new businesses.
- Former residents: The initiative encourages the return of those who left the city.
- Commuters: People working in nearby cities, such as Berlin, are also targeted.
Selected participants will have access to a structured agenda, including community events and guided tours, to ease their adaptation. The local government hopes the practical experience will convince participants to stay.
The steelworks’ role in the economy
Eisenhüttenstadt’s steelworks, established alongside the city, is one of the largest industrial complexes in eastern Germany. With around 2,500 employees, it plays a central role in the local economy, producing steel for national and international markets. During the program, participants can visit the facilities and learn about available job openings. Some companies offer short-term internships, allowing visitors to test specific roles.
Additionally, the steelworks collaborates with the local government to promote the city as an attractive industrial hub. The combination of stable jobs and affordable living costs is a key argument for attracting new residents. The city also plans to diversify its economy, encouraging small businesses and startups.
Cultural and historical attractions
Eisenhüttenstadt’s socialist heritage is one of its greatest assets. The city houses museums and monuments that preserve the memory of East Germany, attracting visitors interested in history. The urban planning, with wide squares and preserved buildings, is a highlight of the guided tours offered by the program.
Participants will also engage with cultural events, such as fairs and festivals, which strengthen the sense of community. The local government bets that these cultural experiences, combined with economic opportunities, will create lasting bonds with new residents.
Urban revitalization strategies
Population decline is not unique to Eisenhüttenstadt. Many eastern German cities face similar challenges, stemming from migration to the west after reunification. The free stay program is inspired by initiatives in other localities but stands out for its duration and structure.
The local government has invested in infrastructure improvements, such as modernizing apartments and maintaining public spaces, to make the city more attractive. Additionally, partnerships with local companies ensure participants have access to real job opportunities.
Community integration
Interaction with current residents is a cornerstone of the program. During the two weeks, participants will be invited to community events, such as dinners and cultural gatherings. These activities aim to foster a sense of belonging and ease the transition to life in the city.
The local community also benefits from the initiative, as new residents can boost commerce and services. The local government highlights that the diversity of participant profiles enriches Eisenhüttenstadt’s social dynamics.
Cost of living benefits
Eisenhüttenstadt offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to major German cities like Berlin or Munich. Affordable rents and economical basic services are attractive to young professionals and families.
- Housing: Two-bedroom apartments cost, on average, 500 euros per month.
- Transportation: The city is well-connected by trains and buses to the capital, Berlin.
- Services: Schools and hospitals meet residents’ basic needs.
These factors, combined with the free stay, make the city a viable option for those seeking quality of life without the high costs of metropolises.
Program expectations
Eisenhüttenstadt’s local government expects the program to attract at least 50 participants in the 2025 edition, with a goal of converting at least 20% into permanent residents. The initiative will be evaluated based on the number of applications and the retention rate after the trial period.
The project also serves as a model for other small cities facing population decline. If successful, the local government plans to expand the program in coming years, increasing the number of slots and the duration of the stay.
News summary
Eisenhüttenstadt, a German city near Poland, launched the “Make Plans Now” program to attract new residents, offering two weeks of free accommodation from September 6 to 20, 2025. With applications open until July, the initiative aims to reverse the population decline, which reduced residents from 50,000 to 24,000 since 1990. Targeting workers, self-employed individuals, and former residents, the program includes furnished apartments, cultural tours, and job opportunities at the local steelworks, which employs 2,500 people. Founded in 1950 with socialist architecture, the city bets on community integration and low living costs to revitalize its economy and preserve its historical legacy.