VISION
As one of the most enchanting regions within the sphere of rural communities in Israel, the Ramat Negev Regional Council aspires to introduce potential residents to the rare and remarkable assets with which this region was blessed, with the aim of doubling its population.
GOALS
1. Augmenting and strengthening the population in the Ramat Negev community villages by emphasizing the region's unique benefits and advantages.
2. Increasing the supply of workplaces in the areas of industry, tourism and agriculture, so as to attract the younger generation to return home and new families to relocate here.
3. Enhancing domestic and foreign tourism by highlighting the natural treasures and beauty of this alluring desert region.
4. Preserving environmental quality, aesthetics and cleanness throughout the Council and its constituent communities.
5. Constantly improving the provision of services to our residents in the areas of welfare, education, community, security, culture, transportation, engineering and sanitation.
ABOUT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL
Ramat Negev is the largest regional council in Israel. Its territory is estimated at 1.1 million acres (roughly 22% of the land mass of the State of Israel), extending from the Negev Junction in the north to Machtesh Ramon in the south; from Highway #10 in the west (along the border with Egypt) to the Big Machtesh in the east.
Twelve communities lie within its jurisdiction: 4 kibbutzim – Revivim, Mashabei Sadeh, Telalim and Sde Boker; 5 community villages – Ben Gurion Village, Ashalim, Ezuz, Merchav-Am and Retamim; 3 moshavim – Kadesh Barnea, K'mehin and Be'er Milka (under construction). In addition, three residential-educational projects are operated in Ramat Negev: the Nitzana Youth Village, "Desert Spirit" and "Shanty in the Desert" (the last two are currently under construction).
The number of residents in the Ramat Negev Regional Council is 4,500, according to the population registry of January 2006.
At first glance, it would appear that Ramat Negev is situated far away from any important center or major occurrence; however this is not the case. Ramat Negev is only a ½ hour drive from the Capital of the Negev, Beer Sheba, and about an hour and a half from metropolitan Tel Aviv. With the extension of Highway 6 and the laying of more railway tracks, the distances will be shortened even further and, consequently, so will travel time.
Additionally, in the area of employment Ramat Negev is very different from its commonly held public image. Council residents engage in a wide variety of occupations, from agriculture, tourism, industry, research and development, to the free professions. The percentage of unemployment is very low by any estimation. Several prospective industrial and tourism-related ventures about to be launched throughout the regional council are expected to increase the supply of workplaces here and attract new families and individuals. These newcomers will benefit from the unique tapestry of life in Ramat Negev, which features a superior quality of life, a highly invested-in education system, well-developed community services, clean air, natural treasures, a spectacular landscape and a high level of personal security. In light of these qualities, one can say that Ramat Negev is not just another regional council in Israel, but more like a small country onto itself, which opens up to its residents a tremendous scope of possibilities for creative financial ventures, personal fulfillment and a very high quality of life.
