[1] The plans to establish the organization took place in Dresden in 1903.
The association's mission centers on sustaining the guarantee of local self-governance specified in the Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland (German constitution), Article 28, paragraph 2.
[4][5] Initially, each city with a population larger than 25,000 was eligible for membership in the organization.
[2] Listed below are the approximately 200 member cities and towns of the Deutsche Städtetag, also referred to as Direct members (Unmittelbare Mitglieder) by the organization.
In addition there are approximately another 3,000 cities and towns that are indirect members (Mittelbare Mitglieder).