SSH is 40 years old today

The Association of Local Authorities in the Capital Region (SSH) is 40 years old today. The association was founded at Hlégarður in Mosfellsbær on 4 April 1976. The founding members were the municipalities of Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Seltjarnarnes, Mosfellsbær, Bessastaðahreppur and Kjalarnesbær.

The main purpose of establishing SSH was to create a platform for cooperation on planning in the capital region, and at the very first meeting, the establishment of a development office was discussed (which became the Capital Region Planning Authority).  A review of data on SSH's activities shows that the organisation's activities over 40 years are divided into three very distinct periods, each characterised by different priorities and project selection:

The period 1976–1988
The main focus of the work was on planning matters and related issues, traffic and transport, sewerage, the operation of the Capital Region Planning Authority, and the preparation of the first regional plan for the capital region. An elected board and a special board for the Planning Office. This period came to an end following the approval of the new regional plan for the Capital Region 1985–2005, and subsequently, it was decided to close the Capital Region Planning Authority.

The period 1988-2002
This period was characterised by the „traditional“ activities of regional associations with an elected 11-12 member board, lobbying (discussion and commentary on draft legislation), a wide range of collaborative projects, seminars, the Capital Region Tourism Association, the capital city fence, the establishment of Public Buses Ltd., the destruction of predatory birds, tourism for the disabled, water protection and more.

The period 2002-
A completely changed focus, executives on the board instead of an elected board, an increased and growing emphasis on internal municipal affairs, joint formulation of operational tasks, coordination, and a diminishing emphasis on external lobbying. Today, the main focus is on strengthening cooperation between the municipalities. A new regional plan for the capital region, a revised water protection plan, extensive discussion on the operation of the municipal joint ventures Sorpa bs. and Strætó bs. – the operation of the ski areas, a development strategy for the capital region, tourism for disabled people, and more. 

The administrative status of SSH

The Association of Local Authorities in the Capital Region is one of eight regional bodies that operate regionally and work on common interests for local authorities in their respective areas. Regional bodies are not government authorities within the meaning of the law, and a local authority is not obliged to be a member of a regional body. The Equalisation Fund for Local Authorities pays an annual contribution towards the running of the regional associations. In addition, the local authorities pay a specified annual fee, which varies between the regional associations.