The coronavirus pandemic, its aftermath and the vaccination campaign will be the hallmarks of 2021 for Europe, but cities are already trying to figure out ways to combine them with their own growth and development. Under the abbreviature A-E-I-O-U, Austria’s Linz will act on its citizens’ priorities and grow into a stronger, safer and more sustainable city over the year.
Prioritising what matters
The mayor of Linz Klaus Luger is convinced that “With the A-E-I-O-U for 2021, we will not only make a decisive contribution to crisis management, but also further develop the city in a way that is fit for the future.”
A (for Ankurbeln) as in boosting the economy with more educational opportunities for children: with the 65 million euro investment package that the city government unanimously approved as part of the pact for Linz, the city is making a major contribution to economic recovery. This is also necessary in view of the developments on the labor market.
E for Ebelsberg and Eisenbahnbrücke: The ongoing construction boom in Linz is another important pillar of the economy, and above all ensures the availability of affordable living space. For the largest residential building project in Linz, the one on the former barracks area in Ebelsberg, important groundwork will be set in the spatial planning in 2021. In addition, Linz AG is planning an additional indoor swimming pool in this district for the population, which is growing particularly in the south of Linz. The new railway bridge will also be accessible in autumn 2021.
I for vaccination (Impfung) and innovation: With the rollout of the vaccine against COVID-19, the health crisis should be over by the end of 2021. “With the announcement by the federal government that they want to rely on decentralized structures, and a nationwide vaccination plan that has been missing for months, I see new demands on the communities, similar to the mass tests,” stated Mayor Klaus Luger. Furthermore, Linz continues on its course of wanting to become the European Capital of Innovation.
O for public transport (Öffentlicher Verkehr): A fundamental agreement with the state of Upper Austria provides for two more S-Bahn trains for commuters from the Mühlviertel to Linz. In addition, two new trolleybus routes are being worked on in Linz.
Finally, U as in environmental (Umwelt) and climate protection: With the climate program unanimously adopted by the parties of the city government at the turn of the year 2019/2020, the city of Linz has committed itself to another goal, namely to want to become a climate capital city. The existing and planned further greening, as well as the specific plans for the expansion of public transport, are only part of it. “In 2021, for example, we will also invest in pilot projects for photovoltaic systems in order to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” explained Linz’s mayor.
“As in 2020, we will be able to tackle and implement numerous projects again in 2021. Most of these projects are also urgently needed for crisis management. However, we will only be successful if everyone pulls together, as in 2020. Then we may be able to emerge from the crisis even stronger,” Mayor Klaus Luger concluded his presentation of the city’s priorities.
Source: TheMayor.EU
