The steering component of supraregional spatial planning is gaining increasing importance, especially from the perspective of sustainable spatial development. We are convinced that planning regulatory contents are particularly well-received when the process of elaboration and coordination is transparent, conducted on an equal footing, and involves comprehensive dialogue between the planning levels. Furthermore, municipalities and regions are confronted with challenges whose successful management depends to a large extent on intermunicipal cooperation among decision-makers and stakeholders. In order to respond to demographic and socio-economic trends or climate change, regional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks must be identified, and solutions and development strategies must be jointly developed.

Services:

• Preparation and substantive development of spatial planning programs, such as within the scope of regional master planning
• Cooperative development of spatial visions, for example, Regional Development Strategies for LEADER regions
• Comprehensive participation and cooperation processes in workshops and coordination meetings
• Interdisciplinary spatial analyses spanning various topics, including the use of GIS
• Thorough derivation of trends, forecasts, and action areas towards a vision

DI Dr. Hannes Schaffer is a sworn and judicially certified expert in nature conservation, landscape design, and spatial planning. The focus of his expert activities lies in assessing the compatibility of projects in residential construction and renewable energy sectors with local and landscape aesthetics. Relevant documents are compiled, and the matter to be examined is presented concisely. This forms the basis for an expert opinion written in clear, precise, yet understandable language.

Services:

• Expert opinions for assessing the compatibility with local aesthetics at the object level, for example, in residential construction projects
• Expert opinions for assessing the impact on landscape aesthetics, for example, in open-space photovoltaic installations

Climate change adaptation, climate neutrality, and decarbonization are the topics of the hour. We believe that environmental and energy issues are central, urgent future topics that are increasingly gaining attention in spatial planning. Therefore, we support the technical preparation of decision-making bases for strategies and control instruments of the countries and accompany climate and energy model regions in finding strategies and implementing eligible projects.

Services:

• Expert opinions, studies, and evaluations at the intersection of energy and spatial planning
• Consultation and support in the funding programs Climate and Energy Model Regions (KEM) and Climate Change Adaptation Model Regions (KLAR!)

Coming from landscape planning, we are particularly committed to the development of modern nature and environmental protection and the preservation of cultural landscapes. Therefore, we support practical cooperation and environmental projects in protected area management as well as innovative ideas in sustainable tourism. In addition, we engage in scientific studies and research projects on sustainable spatial development, and in infrastructure projects, we assess environmental or nature compatibility.

Services:

• Project management in the field of cooperative nature conservation projects
• Strategies for sustainable land use
• Studies on forms of sustainable urban development and mobility
• Environmental and nature compatibility statements

The INTERREG programs are an instrument for supporting regional cooperation across borders, thereby achieving spatial, economic, and social cohesion and mitigating regional disparities. They provide an excellent opportunity to develop and implement ideas for a region. The various cooperation programs form the basis for INTERREG projects and include the conditions for funding eligibility.

Services:

• Project management and communication
• Conducting socio-economic analyses for the program area
• Development of the cooperation program (goal selection, strategy development, elaboration of action types and indicators, financial breakdown)
• Preparation for submission and summary for citizens

In INTERREG projects, cross-border cooperation among companies, organizations, or local authorities is promoted on topics such as the sustainable provision of healthcare, the protection of cultural heritage, or the strengthening of SMEs' competitiveness. Not only the significant financial support but also the cross-border partner network and the exchange of experiences among each other lead to valuable new impulses.

Services:

• Support in setting objectives and selecting suitable project partners
• advice on eligibility questions
• Overall coordination and assistance in planning specific work packages, budget, and timelines for funding applications
• Project management (reporting, deadline and progress monitoring, moderation of partner meetings, organization of workshops), if necessary, assistance with lead partner tasks
• Monitoring and quality assurance

We believe that a project can only be successful if good communication among all stakeholders is ensured and if the exchange is constructive and open. In the course of project implementation, we take on project management responsibilities, ensure regular communication, and organize and moderate events. Expertise and empathy form the basis, which, combined with our extensive experience and relevant training, enable us to achieve the desired results even under challenging conditions.

Services:

• Conducting online surveys including initial discussion, hosting, survey concept, technical implementation, evaluation, and analysis
• Designing the objectives, design, and content of the event
• Invitation management and on-site setting organization
• Moderation and documentation of the event (potentially for multiple working groups)

In addition to his role as the head of mecca consulting, DI Dr. Hannes Schaffer is an external lecturer at two universities in Vienna. He teaches urban planning, raising awareness among students about its importance in urban, regional, and cross-border development.

His courses address current challenges in spatial planning and regional policy, such as land consumption, inner development, cooperative regional planning, and measures of regional policy in Austria and the EU, including infrastructure, economic promotion, and innovation support.

Services:

• Planning concepts and strategies at the regional and local levels
• Containment of land consumption and inner development
• Cooperative approaches and practical examples in regional planning
• Goals and measures of regional policy in Austria and the EU
• Promotion of economy, innovation, and sustainable development