At a time when local governments are put under heavy strain, Graz, the capital of Styria, is opting for pragmatism in its new city budget. Local officials in the city believe that it is the duty of authorities to offer security and safety to their citizens in times of crises and that is precisely what they will be doing through their new budget, revealed earlier last week.
Opting for caution in the interest of citizens
The main priorities for Graz in the coming years will, of course, be keeping the economy going, its recovery and climate change. In the field of rebooting the city’s economic growth and bringing back jobs and investments in the aftermath of COVID-19, the city will be paying special attention to investing in businesses and projects that can lead to an increase in development.
For example, the city’s investment fund has reached some 300 million euros which, according to officials, will provide much-needed security to citizens as they seek the support of authorities in these turbulent times.
According to Siegfried Nagl, the mayor of Graz, this budget was incredibly hard to draft as it is almost impossible to predict the economic developments and changes over that could transpire over the next 12 months, given the coronavirus pandemic. Yet he remained steadfast that his administration is answering the needs of its citizens not only by focusing on the economic reboot of the city but also on other priorities such as the environment, education and public transport.
Nonetheless, the big point of pride for Nagl – and the thing that is most likely going to have the greatest impact -is the city’s greatly expanded investment fund which will help Graz get back on its feet. “We are doing everything we can to keep the economy going and to keep jobs in Graz,” stated the mayor.
Source: TheMayor.EU
