Kurzeme Planning Region – Regional Growth and Cooperation
The Kurzeme Planning Region is a subordinate public entity operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Smart Planning and Regional Development. It was registered in the Register of Taxpayers on 15 August 2006 (registration number: 90002183562) and is a legal entity governed by public law, possessing an official stamp bearing its full name. Its operations are regulated by the Law on Regional Development, the Law on Spatial Planning, internal regulations, and other applicable legislation.
Territory and Main Functions
The territory of the Kurzeme Planning Region includes six municipalities – Dienvidkurzeme, Kuldīga, Saldus, Talsi, Tukums, and Ventspils – as well as two state cities – Liepāja and Ventspils.
The core functions of the Kurzeme Planning Region include:
- Planning and coordinating socio-economic development;
- Setting regional development priorities and identifying investment needs;
- Representing regional interests at national and international levels;
- Promoting cooperation among municipalities;
- Monitoring and improving public transport;
- Providing information on opportunities available through EU Structural Funds.
The governing body of the region is the Development Council, while the executive body is the Administration. Two structural entities operate under the Administration – the Kurzeme Planning Region Entrepreneurship Centre and the Public Transport Department.
Development Council
The Development Council of the Kurzeme Planning Region is a decision-making body jointly established by the region’s municipalities to coordinate sustainable and balanced development. It consists of 8 permanent members and 8 deputy members, along with an elected Chair and Vice-Chair.
On 5 August 2025, the General Assembly of the heads of municipalities approved the new composition of the Council.
Māris Zusts
Chairman of the Kurzeme Planning Region Development Council
Inese Astaševska
Vice Chair of the Kurzeme Planning Region Development Council
| Represented Municipality | Permanent Member | Deputy Member |
|---|---|---|
| South Kurzeme Municipality | Andris Jankovskis, Chair of the Municipal Council | Andrejs Radzevičs, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council |
| Kuldīga Municipality | Inese Astaševska, Chair of the Municipal Council | Artis Roberts, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council |
| Liepāja City Municipality | Gunārs Ansiņš, Chair of the Municipal Council | Jānis Džeriņš, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council |
| Saldus Municipality | Māris Zusts, Chair of the Municipal Council | Raivis Zīrups, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council |
| Talsi Municipality | Ansis Bērziņš, Chair of the Municipal Council | Ligita Šnore, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council |
| Tukums Municipality | Gundars Važa, Chair of the Municipal Council | Baiba Pļaviņa, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council |
| Ventspils City Municipality | Guntis Blumbergs, First Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council | Aigo Gūtmanis, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council |
| Ventspils Municipality | Andis Zariņš, Chair of the Municipal Council | Aivars Mucenieks, Deputy Chair of the Municipal Council |
Administration
The Administration is the executive body of the Kurzeme Planning Region, established by the Development Council to implement its decisions and provide organisational, legal, and technical support.
Evita Ozoliņa
Chairman of the Kurzeme Planning Region Development Council
The Head of Administration is appointed by decision of the Development Council and is responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing delegated functions, and reporting quarterly on the use of allocated funding.
On 29 April 2015, Evita Ozoliņa was appointed as Head of Administration by decision of the Development Council (Minutes No. 03/15).
To ensure the effective implementation of its functions, the Kurzeme Planning Region has established several structural units: the Administration, Finance Department, Planning Department, Public Transport Department, Project Department, and the Entrepreneurship Centre. These departments work in close coordination to support regional development, public services, and cooperation initiatives.
Structure of the Administration of the Kurzeme Planning Region
Project Implementation
Through diverse local and international projects, the Kurzeme Planning Region actively supports sustainable development, innovation, mobility, and social inclusion across the region. These initiatives help improve quality of life, enhance infrastructure, promote entrepreneurship, and protect our unique natural and cultural heritage.
To date, the Kurzeme Planning Region has successfully implemented – and is currently implementing – more than 28 diverse projects. These initiatives are carried out in close cooperation with a wide range of partners, including municipalities, national institutions, NGOs, and enterprises in Latvia, as well as international partners across Europe. Our collaborations extend to academic institutions such as Riga Technical University and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.
We are committed to regional development through meaningful, cross-sectoral cooperation and are always open to new partnerships that promote sustainability, innovation, and growth. The Kurzeme region is ready to serve as a platform for pilot actions and collaborative initiatives that contribute to long-term progress and shared benefits.
Click here to explore the projects implemented by the Kurzeme Planning RegionVisual Identity
The logo of the Kurzeme Planning Region reflects the region’s strong historical identity and its modern development vision. On the left side, it features the historic Coat of Arms of Kurzeme – a red lion on a silver shield – symbolising strength, heritage, and regional pride. The visual identity was updated in June 2025 to ensure a clear and unified design language that highlights the region’s values, development priorities, and close connection to nature, culture, and people.
