Six priorities for the next six years
The members of the college of aldermen belonging to the Democratic Party (DP) and the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) have signed an agreement on joint political action to serve the needs of Luxembourg City and its residents over the 2017–2023 term.
Housing
Housing is an absolute priority. The college of aldermen will work to increase the housing supply and to improve the balance between the number of homes and the number of jobs within the city. By pursuing a well-coordinated policy mix, the college of aldermen aims to boost the construction of both private and public-sector housing, with priority being given to affordable homes and social housing programmes.
The college of aldermen has undertaken to plan and oversee the completion of several large-scale housing programmes, with architects selected through a competitive process. The new housing development sites are to be on land managed by the City of Luxembourg, such as the area near the Josy Barthel Stadium on Route d'Arlon, from the city's current recycling centre to the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (Corps grand-ducal d'incendie et de secours – CGDIS) response centre; the former Villeroy & Boch production site in Rollingergrund; the Centre de Merl and the Porte de Hollerich, which is being planned as an eco-district.
Transport
The tram is set to change the face of Luxembourg City. Completion of the line to Kockelscheuer (new stadium) and Höhenhof (Findel) is essential to make this light rail system fully operational. Its extension to Porte de Hollerich is also crucial for the development of the south of the capital.
In terms of active mobility, the college of aldermen will continue its efforts to promote mutual respect among road users and ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The bike path network will be expanded to include new, secure routes linking residential neighbourhoods to the city centre. In addition, the current pedestrian walkways connecting some residential neighbourhoods will be improved.
Bus routes will be reorganised when the tram becomes operational in order to provide optimal connections between city's various districts and the city centre, as well as between the districts.
It is essential that the city centre be accessible by road to maintain its appeal. The signage system guiding vehicles towards the car parks in the city centre will be enhanced in order to improve traffic flow, while providing greater visibility for the existing car parks as well as easier access to the additional parking spaces that will become available after the extension of the Knuedler car park and the opening of the Royal-Hamilius underground car park.
Urban development
As part of the implementation of the new general development plan (plan d'aménagement général – PAG), there will be a strong focus on balanced urban development to ensure the capital's continued attractiveness as a financial and economic centre, while preserving the particular atmosphere of its residential districts through a range of public spaces, local businesses and play areas for children of all ages.
The college of aldermen will be pressing the government to complete the construction projects for Boulevard de Merl and Boulevard de Cessange, which are essential to further the development of the city's western districts and to reduce congestion in residential districts.
Education and social cohesion
The college of aldermen will continue working to provide modern, welcoming facilities for schools and extracurricular activities in the city's 24 districts, and promoting closer collaboration between schools and childcare centres. The college of aldermen is also keen to build new athletic and cultural facilities, as they play a key role in fostering integration.
There will be a continued focus on innovative models, such as extended-day school programmes. Homework assistance will be provided in all districts to give all children an equal opportunity to succeed.
The college of aldermen will work to implement a more dynamic integration policy. Its objective will be to allow all Luxembourg City residents to get involved in public life through citizen participation. Social cohesion will be promoted, in all its forms, especially at school and through athletic and cultural activities.
Environnement
The college of aldermen will continue its efforts to ensure Luxembourg City remains a pioneer in implementing eco-friendly policies. The City will ensure the proper maintenance of its public spaces, while continuing to eschew the use of pesticides. Air quality and noise levels will continue to be closely monitored.
With respect to waste management, prevention will be a key priority, along with improvements in the waste management system. In particular, the possibility of establishing a dry fermentation plant, in collaboration with neighbouring municipalities, will be examined.
Safety
The college of aldermen aims to ensure the safety of the city's residents as effectively as possible. In view of Luxembourg City's particularly robust population growth, a greater police presence is needed, both in residential areas as well as the city centre and the Gare district around Luxembourg Central Station. The college of aldermen will urge the government to make sure the police have the necessary resources at their disposal.
Regular exchanges with the police and judicial authorities will be stepped up so as to best tackle the difficult situations that may arise in some areas of the city.
The general regulations on public order and safety (règlement général de police) will be updated.
Safety in pedestrian zones will be ensured by means of a coherent system of removable security barriers. The extension of video surveillance to certain key locations in the city is planned, and further improvements will be made to street lighting systems.
