Against the backdrop of demographic changes since 2004, an update of the integrated urban development concept was necessary in order to update and adapt the objectives and measures and to describe a realistic funding framework for the implementation of the measures. The update also takes into account the guideline process for the strategic reorientation of the city of Salzgitter as a child and family-friendly learning city.

Urban development is to focus on the four largest, urban districts of SZ-Lebenstedt, SZ-Bad, SZ-Thiede and SZ-Gebhardshagen. In the rural districts, projects and measures can be funded within the framework of self-development in accordance with the ZILE guidelines (guidelines on the granting of subsidies for integrated rural development dated 29.10.2007).

The following priority areas for urban development are defined in the ISEK update: SZ-Bad - Altstadt, SZ-Bad - Ost- und Westsiedlung, SZ-Gebhardshagen - Sonnenbergweg, SZ-Lebenstedt - City, SZ-Lebenstedt - Fredenberg, SZ-Lebenstedt - Seeviertel, SZ-Thiede - Steterburg and SZ-Watenstedt.

The integrated urban development concept is an informal, non-legally binding plan that was adopted by the city council on 23.01.2013 as a self-binding instrument. It defines the framework and basic objectives for further city-wide and district-related development plans and concepts.