For the 2014–2020 time period, the Baia Mare Metropolitan Area was slated to become an important instrument for accessing EU structural funds, which would enable the implementation of local infrastructure investment projects, thereby increasing the quality of life and reducing disparities between localities.

As defined by Eurostat, the Baia Mare functional urban area has a population of 181,993 residents (as of 2015[update]).

[2] BMMA covers an area of 1,410 square kilometers (22% of Maramureș County), having specific landforms (mountainous area of Gutâi Mountains, the lowland and hills of Baia Mare) with the Someș River and its tributaries (Lăpuș and Săsar Rivers) crossing it.

It includes the towns of Baia Sprie, Cavnic, Seini, Șomcuta Mare, and Tăuții-Măgherăuș, as well as 13 communes: Cernești, Cicârlău, Coaș, Coltău, Copalnic-Mănăștur, Dumbrăvița, Groși, Mireșu Mare, Recea, Remetea Chioarului, Satulung, Săcălășeni, and Valea Chioarului.

The aim of the metropolitan area is to support the development of the city and neighboring localities based on a common vision to bring benefits for all the residents.