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Introduction
Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is an international finance centre, as well as home to many national and European institutions. It has experienced unparalleled growth fuelled by the country's thriving economy, requiring constant infrastructural adaptations to keep up with its ongoing transformation. In the last ten years alone, the city's population has grown by over 30%, rising from 85,908 as at 31 December 2006 to 114,090 as at 31 December 2016, and 116,381 on the date of publication of this statement (4 December 2017). This development is a testament to our city's appeal, but also brings with it a number of problems, such as rising property prices and greater traffic congestion caused by the 120,000+ commuters.
The current members of the college of aldermen were appointed following the municipal elections of 8 October 2017, which confirmed the Democratic Party (DP) as the capital's leading political force (with nine seats) and awarded the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) two additional seats (for a total of seven). The college of aldermen has set itself the goal of implementing policies targeting the needs of the local population as well as those of the businesses and institutions established within the city.
Our main focus will be on increasing social cohesion by ensuring that our own actions are consistent in the face of the challenges relating to urban development, housing, transport, education, social integration, the environment, and safety. It is only by taking coherent action in all these areas, and especially through concerted efforts with the public authorities and private-sector actors, that the City of Luxembourg can continue to provide a high quality of life for all its residents, while ensuring that our capital retains its economic attractiveness.
In many respects these challenges are not entirely new, and the college of aldermen will be able to draw lessons from the work of its predecessors to address them with renewed vigour.
The new general development plan (plan d'aménagement général – PAG) provides the overall framework for urban development in our city, encompassing both new districts (e.g. Ban de Gasperich) and new special development plans (plans d'aménagement particulier – PAPs) in existing districts. Linking up green spaces to provide routes to expand active travel options, ensuring the appropriate infrastructure for schools, sports clubs and cultural activities, promoting local businesses, and supporting socially diverse and intergenerational communities will all help foster social cohesion in our city's various residential districts.
Housing is a top priority, and the college of aldermen will spare no effort in ensuring that everyone – especially young families – can find a place to call home in the city, by facilitating access to home ownership and rental properties at affordable prices. Social housing is also an important aspect, which will be a major focus of Luxembourg City's investment.
Supporting young families also means focusing on children's education. The college of aldermen plans to invest more in both infrastructure and personnel to ensure the well-being of children and young people in schools and childcare centres, as well as that of the elderly through specialised services. In this way, the college of aldermen aims to create a pleasant and inclusive environment for all city residents.
Special efforts will be focused on transport, where the aim will be to reconcile the interests of residents with those of the many people who come to the city every day to work. Improvements in public transport will remain a key priority to address business-related traffic volumes and reduce congestion. The tram line (the first section of which will be operational very shortly), together with the new Howald train station and the funicular connecting the Pfaffenthal district to the Kirchberg plateau, will provide additional ways of getting around.
The college of aldermen remains committed to environmental sustainability, focusing on conserving natural resources and creating new green spaces, including such key projects as the Gasperich Park and the land restoration of the Pétrusse Valley.
All these goals will be pursued with a careful eye on another key priority: that of keeping residents and commuters safe in the city, made possible not only by regulatory measures and social programmes, but also the talks that the college of aldermen will be holding with government bodies aimed at swelling the ranks of the city's police force with a substantial number of new recruits.
Lastly, the college of aldermen wishes to encourage residents to get more involved in the planning processes for major projects so that, along with the municipal council, we can all better share our views on the resources to be brought to bear to achieve our vision of a welcoming, dynamic and highly liveable city that provides a high quality of life for everyone, in keeping with the principles of sustainable development.
Below, you will find details of the objectives that the DP-CSV coalition has set itself for the next six years.
Urban development
Luxembourg City's greatest challenge over the coming years will be its population growth. As part of our aim to promote a healthy work-life balance by creating homes closer to workplaces, many new housing developments will be built in the city. Infrastructure for schools, extracurricular activities and sports clubs, as well as the transport network, will need to be adapted to deal with this growth. Efforts will be continued to modernise and extend water supply and sewerage systems, to preserve water quality and protect source water, to improve wastewater management and to enhance the water treatment plant.
The college of aldermen will make certain that the city's development remains balanced, anticipating the needs resulting from the growing population by creating the necessary public infrastructure, fostering a friendly, modern urban environment of the type sought by the city's diverse population. The city's development will be in keeping with the national framework for land use planning.
Major urban development projects
The recently adopted general development plan (PAG) will serve as the overall framework for the development of the city's stock of housing as well as its economic development. We will explore the possibility of creating new business parks, preferably on the city's outskirts, to help preserve the city's appeal in terms of economic development.
In addition, the PAG will preserve the city's charm by protecting its historic areas and rich architectural heritage, which spans various historical periods and styles. At the same time, the PAG will allow for the development of new districts meeting strict criteria in terms of housing supply, environmental quality, mobility, and social and generational diversity.
The special development plans (plan d'aménagement particulier – PAP) already approved provide for the construction of some 6,000 homes (see table). The largest projects planned to date will be located in Bonnevoie, Belair, Merl, Cloche d'Or, Pulvermühl, Kirchberg and Weimershof. Other PAPs still under review will further increase the housing supply in Cessange, Merl, Limpertsberg and Neudorf, among other areas. In the implementation of the PAPs, particular attention will be paid to the requisite public infrastructure, green spaces, sustainable transport options, local meeting places, premises for neighbourhood businesses, public squares and play areas.
In order to facilitate the rapid implementation of the PAPs, a round table will be organised, bringing together the various stakeholders: Service Urbanisme (Urban Planning Department), Service Voirie (Roads Department), Service Biens (City Property Department), Water Management Agency (Administration de la gestion de l'eau), Ministry of the Environment (Ministère de l'environnement), National Roads Authority (Administration des ponts et chaussées), POST Luxembourg (the national postal service), Creos Luxembourg (the main electricity and gas transmission and distribution operator), and property developers.
The college of aldermen aims to promote major urban development projects on sites either owned by the City of Luxembourg or for which it is a partner, such as the former Villeroy & Boch production site in Mühlenbach, the Porte de Hollerich site and the Route d'Arlon site (including the Josy Barthel Stadium, the Recycling Centre and the main fire and emergency services station). Developments on this site located near the city centre, which covers a total area of 7 hectares, will consist mainly of residential properties. A competition to select design-build teams for the various phases of this new district will be launched shortly.
The Porte de Hollerich project is being planned as an eco-district applying the principles of sustainable development, embracing at once its social, economic and environmental aspects. Around 3,500 residential units will be built.
In addition, the City of Luxembourg will be an active participant in planning the development projects for the Paul Wurth and Heintz van Landewyck sites to create a mixed-use district that includes between 1,900 and 2,500 homes.
The college of aldermen will also be stepping up its efforts to launch the urban planning project for Place de l'Etoile.
The site of the former slaughterhouse will be entirely redeveloped to provide spaces for events and social activities as well as creative pursuits, and even homes. An architecture competition will be launched to solicit and evaluate proposals for ways to make the most of the site's potential.
Major urban planning projects will be combined with mobility plans, geared toward active travel and public transport. The needs analysis in public infrastructure will be a key prerequisite for the building of new residential districts.
The Royal Hamilius project will provide new retail and office space as well as residential units, but will also entail the complete redesign of this part of the city centre, including new shops and tourist attractions.
The city centre will be modernised and given a fresh new look with the extension of the pedestrian zone around the Royal Hamilius site and in the Vieille-Ville (the oldest part of the city), together with the redevelopment of Place Guillaume II, Place de la Constitution and Place du Théâtre.
A new elevator will connect the Pétrusse Valley park to Ville-Haute. A land restoration project will be launched for the Pétrusse and the adjoining green spaces will be redesigned in line with residents' recreational needs and with a view to promoting sustainable transport.
The new street lighting plan will be implemented to meet environmental criteria, better illuminate public spaces, and enhance the appreciation of historical buildings and sculptures.
Pedestrian safety will be improved thanks to a more effective lighting design.
The college of aldermen will sit down with government officials to reiterate the critical need for the completion of the construction projects for Boulevard de Merl and Boulevard de Cessange, which are essential to further the development of the capital's western districts.
The college of aldermen considers the tram to be one of the most important urban development projects of the coming years, which will entail the transformation of public squares – notably Place de Metz, Place de Paris and Place de la Gare. The bus system and its routes will subsequently be adapted as a result of the introduction of the tram.
Given the scope of these construction projects, close and effective collaboration between the various participants – the tram operator Luxtram, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure (Ministère du Développement durable et des Infrastructures), the City of Luxembourg, the National Roads Authority, Creos Luxembourg, the contractors, local residents and business owners, and representatives of Union commerciale de la Ville de Luxembourg (UCVL, the Luxembourg City Business Association) – will be essential in order to reduce negative consequences for local residents and businesses as far as possible.
Housing
Increasing the housing supply, in particular of social housing units and affordable housing, is the college of aldermen's number one priority. The aim is to ensure social and generational diversity across all the city's neighbourhoods, and to promote access to home ownership and rental properties for young families.
The PAPs will be developed with a view to reducing distances between homes and workplaces.
The college of aldermen will work to gradually increase Luxembourg City's housing stock in order to serve the needs of low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The college of aldermen will also focus on the creation and development of independent living facilities for young adults in distress and for people in transition, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, homes for people with special needs and boarding homes for pupils or students.
Based on the existing residential properties owned by the City of Luxembourg, an evaluation of the housing stock will be carried out in order to select the most appropriate solutions for the planning and development of new homes.
To increase the supply of affordable housing, the college of aldermen will oversee the construction of low-cost housing as part of PAPs in which the City of Luxembourg is an active partner or main developer. The City of Luxembourg will draw up affordable housing supply agreements, provided for in private PAPs and meeting the criteria laid down by law.
The college of aldermen will pursue its strategy of purchasing affordable housing units built as part of completed PAPs and left unsold by the developer. The City of Luxembourg plans to resell these homes to buyers who meet the criteria laid down by law in order to promote social diversity and access to home ownership.
The calculation of the average price for a home within Luxembourg City, from which the price considered "affordable" is derived, will be analysed to check that it is applicable in light of current trends in market prices.
The college of aldermen will set up a lease-purchase system to allow low- and moderate-income households to purchase their first home. The City will continue to offer support to groups of individuals interested in pursuing collaborative housing projects.
The Baulücken project will be continued and the homes will be sold under emphyteutic leases. New ideas for intergenerational and community homes will be reviewed and encouraged. The collaboration between the City of Luxembourg, Société nationale des habitations à bon marché (SNHBM) and the Housing Fund (Fonds pour le développement du logement et de l'habitat) will be pursued.
Urban transport
Public transport plays a crucial role in every city, affecting residents' quality of life and promoting economic development through easier access to workplaces.
As the number of people employed in the capital by far exceeds the number of Luxembourg City residents, proper management of commuter transport is a decisive factor in quality of life for everyone. The college of aldermen therefore plans to implement a strategy combining highly efficient public transport, safe active travel options and smooth car traffic flow.
Through specific, coordinated measures, it shall be ensured that commuter traffic does not adversely affect quality of life in residential districts. Investments in active travel will be continued, and new PAPs will firmly embrace mobility concepts based on projections for public transport requirements.
The college of aldermen will assess the state of play in terms of mobility, looking at all modes of transport (mass transit, cars, cycling, walking), which will serve as the basis for an integrated, multifaceted mobility development plan, with targets set for 2030. In addition, the existing mobility management software tools will be linked and supplemented by new modules, e.g. to measure the impact of transport on the environment. This comprehensive transport plan will also focus on various districts in order to determine the specific measures required to meet the desired objectives.
The City of Luxembourg's fleet of buses and other vehicles will be continually adapted to make use of the latest and most efficient technologies, from both a technical and ecological standpoint.
A mobility "Info-box" will be installed in the vicinity of the Royal Hamilius project to provide useful information for transport users.
The college of aldermen will also devise a transport plan in collaboration with, and for the benefit of, the staff of the various municipal departments.
Public transport
The college of aldermen aims to achieve a sustainable and optimal modal split.
The new tram line will radically change the face of transport in the city over the coming years. The college of aldermen is basing its approach on the sustainable transport (mobilité durable – "MoDu") strategy introduced by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, which calls for stations to be built on the city's outskirts as well as multimodal transit hubs, with the railways and tram acting as the backbone of the transport network in the city and in its outlying areas.
While the first section of the tram line has been completed (connecting Luxembourg Central Station, the Royal Hamilius, Place de l'Étoile, the Glacis and Kirchberg, with its current end point at Luxexpo), the planned extensions southward to Bonnevoie, Howald and Ban de Gasperich, and northward to Heienhaff-Findel must be finished as soon as possible.
Furthermore, connecting the Paul Wurth, Heintz van Landewyck, Porte de Hollerich and Campus Geesseknäppchen sites to the tram system is essential to optimise urban planning for these new districts.
In order to unlock all of its potential benefits for the improvement of our urban transport system, the tram line will need to be extended as far as possible. For this reason, the college of aldermen actively supports all government and municipal projects aiming to connect neighbouring municipalities (in particular to the west and southwest) to the Luxembourg City tram system. The related preparatory work must be started quickly or, if already under way, then rigorously continued so that these extensions can be completed as soon as possible.
Alongside the development of the tram, the City of Luxembourg will enhance its bus network to better complement the tram system, while looking at the possibility of building additional bus lanes and working to establish circular bus routes providing better connections between districts.
It will also be necessary to plan the construction of a new depot to house the city's fleet of buses in the very near future.
Information provided to residents about transport options will be further optimised by introducing new "smart mobility" tools.
In addition to Call-a-Bus, a similar service called "Bus on demand" (using modern data transmission technologies) will be developed to optimise bus service during off-peak hours.
Walking in the city
The college of aldermen will pay very close attention to the needs of pedestrians. Development will continue on a system of infrastructure for pedestrians, which will be put in place gradually.
Targeted campaigns will be run to make routes to school safer, promote the benefits of walking and raise awareness among parents of the dangers posed by private vehicles in front of schools. Maps of the safest routes to school will be made available to parents.
The possibility of introducing walking school buses (supervised walking groups known as pédibus in French) in the districts will be examined.
The pedestrian walkways joining districts, such as those between Pfaffenthal and Kirchberg, Rollingergrund and Belair, Weimershof and Neudorf, Limpertsberg and Mühlenbach, among others, will be upgraded and made safer, with better lighting.
An app showing all the city's pedestrian walkways will be developed to make residents more aware of these alternative routes.
For people with special needs, the college of aldermen plans to install more vibrating and audible buttons at pedestrian crossings across the city, while the use of tactile paving on the ground to help guide the visually impaired will also be expanded.
Lighting at these crossings will be brought into compliance with current standards.
Cycling in the city
In recent years, significant investment has been made to promote active travel.
These efforts will continue, notably with the construction of a footbridge and an elevator, as well as the introduction of a sustainable transport scheme, connecting Cents, Neudorf and Weimershof. Similarly, an elevator will be installed to link Ville-Haute to the Pétrusse Valley, making this parkland area more accessible for active travel and recreational pursuits.
The tram line will be the backbone of the city's transport system, serving various key destinations and transit hubs, as well as providing a starting point for the development of convenient and well-designed cycle paths and tracks. Interconnecting cycle routes between the districts will also be an important aspect of the active travel strategy. This objective will be an integral part of the comprehensive mobility plan.
The college of aldermen also aims to create safe cycle routes linking the residential districts to the city centre and will include active travel schemes as part of the development and implementation of PAPs.
The college of aldermen aims to promote a culture of mutual respect between all of the city's road users. Drivers of buses, trucks and cars will be educated about the dangers faced by pedestrians and cyclists.
A specific campaign is needed to raise awareness among cyclists for pedestrian safety. More stringent controls will be introduced in the pedestrian zones to crack down on these being used by cyclists outside the authorised periods.
The bike sharing service will be expanded to include a fleet of electric bicycles.
More bicycle parking infrastructure will be installed, particularly in car parks.
Apart from additional racks and stands, all residential districts will be equipped with electric bike share stations. An in-depth study will be launched on the shortest possible cycle paths between districts.
Lastly, the college of aldermen will promote urban planning projects focusing on active travel, like the "Vivre sans voiture" (Living without a car) programme in Limpertsberg, the eco-district project for Porte de Hollerich and the development project for the former Villeroy & Boch site.
Driving in the city
It is a fact that using a personal car remains a deep-rooted habit for many people, because it is often a necessity. Furthermore, even in the most optimistic modal split scenario, it is estimated that at least 60% of travellers will still be using their cars in the future.
To achieve a smoother flow of traffic, signal lights at intersections must be reorganised to allow for a better passage of traffic, especially at the following intersections: Rond-point Schuman, Place de l'Étoile, Boulevard Joseph II, Avenue Marie-Thérèse, Route d'Esch, Rocade and Place d'Argent. In support of this approach, new infrastructure will also need to be added.
Whilst large-scale construction projects – such as the works connecting the tram to the city centre and Luxembourg Central Station – are ongoing, vehicular access to businesses and services in these areas must still be maintained.
The college of aldermen will urge the government to proceed with the construction of Boulevard de Merl and Boulevard de Cessange, which are essential to divert commuter traffic away from the city centre and residential districts, and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles towards the outlying areas.
On national roads, 30km/h zones will be set up in the vicinity of schools and childcare centres, and frequent speed checks will need to be carried out. The installation of additional devices to alert drivers when they are speeding will be considered.
Lastly, efforts to alleviate commuter traffic within residential districts will be continued.
Carsharing systems will be implemented in the new residential areas.
Carpooling will also be encouraged.
Parking in the city
The number of spaces in city centre parking facilities will be considerably increased with the construction of an extension to the Knuedler car park and the opening of the Royal Hamilius car park (formerly the Aldringen car park). Several car parks will be renovated and adapted to modern comfort and safety requirements, including the Knuedler, Neipperg, Wedell, Schuman, Rousegärtchen and Place du Théâtre facilities.
Entrances to car parks and elevators must be welcoming and user-friendly.
The possibility of building more car parks on the outskirts, in addition to the parking facility near the new stadium in the Cloche d'Or district, will be examined in consultation with the city's neighbouring municipalities.
A comprehensive study on parking in the city will be undertaken. This study will look at road-side parking, surface parking and parking garages, and the rates charged. The terms and conditions for granting business parking permits, and the fees charged for such permits, will be examined.
The use of dynamic parking guidance systems will be expanded and optimised.
Given the fact that deliveries currently pose problems, access times for the pedestrian zone will need to be re-examined in consultation with the UCVL. Systems to manage access to the pedestrian zone, as well as the Vieille-Ville and government districts, will be installed.
Shopping
The college of aldermen wishes to promote Luxembourg City as a lively, innovative and attractive shopping destination. Easy access to the shopping areas in Ville-Haute and around Luxembourg Central Station must be guaranteed for all forms of transport. One of Luxembourg City's key advantages is its variety of retail stores, allowing residents and visitors to find a range of offerings in all price categories. Cultural events will be scheduled in the city centre to draw shoppers to stores and promote business development.
Creating a good environment for business development
An important aspect of urban planning is to provide an excellent framework for the city's economic and commercial development. Easy access to business parks and shopping centres using public transport, active travel and personal vehicles is essential.
Premises for innovative startups are being planned for the Gare district and on the site of the former slaughterhouse. A commercial land register covering all the city's districts will be drawn up with the Luxembourg Trade Confederation. The college of aldermen will continue to work closely with the UCVL.
The open-air markets add to the city's appeal, and a strong relationship with the managers of these markets will be maintained. The City of Luxembourg contributes to the supply of commercial space by renting out its own premises to businesses who help diversify the city's commercial offering. Emphasis will be placed on creating a favourable environment for local shops, in both new and existing districts. The possibility of setting up shared spaces in some districts will be examined.
Car parks will be modernised and the number of parking spaces will be increased. Even during construction, the City Shopping Bus (a free shuttle service between the Glacis car park and the city centre) will continue to run.
Sunday shopping on certain pre-defined days will be continued.
Activities in the city centre
Traditional events, concerts, Christmas markets, antique markets, flea markets, second-hand markets, and arts and crafts markets are constantly being revamped.
An innovative approach will be applied in the organisation of events and cultural activities, to ensure the city centre attracts visitors all year round. The event programme will be reviewed with the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (LCTO). New hotels are encouraged to set up in the city centre. Pop-up stores will be opened.
Education
The DP and CSV place great importance the well-being of our city's younger residents: children play a critical role in City policy. The college of aldermen will continue to make sure that all the city's primary schools are ideally equipped to function not only as places of learning, but also as centres for promoting social integration and cohesion. Children also need to benefit from high-quality programmes and services at schools, childcare centres, crèches, the Centre d'animation pédagogique et de loisirs (CAPEL, the Centre for Educational and Leisure Activities), and the nature activity centre Haus vun der Natur. The college of aldermen will focus on providing equal opportunities for all children and giving them access to cultural, athletic and leisure activities as well as educational support.
As Luxembourg City is also home to two University of Luxembourg campuses, which contributes to its standing, the municipal authorities are keen to continue supporting the various ongoing projects and the college of aldermen hopes to broaden its collaboration with the University's various departments, faculties, schools and institutes.
Municipal plan for children
The college of aldermen is aware that only cohesive and effective collaboration between all stakeholders in the educational process will allow the city's primary schools to perform well. It intends to draw up a municipal plan for children, which will examine all the issues related to enhancing collaboration within the network of schools, childcare centres, and cultural and athletic associations. This plan will serve as the basis for the implementation of the Extracurricular Support Plan prescribed by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth (Ministère de l'Éducation nationale, de l'Enfance et de la Jeunesse – MENEJ), which favours a comprehensive approach to children and their education, in both formal and informal spheres.
An email alert system will be set up to provide information on the schools and childcare centres. Close relations between schools and childcare centres, as well as the shared use of rooms within facilities, will be encouraged in the interests of the children, the schools and the childcare centres.
Staff exchanges between schools and childcare centres will be carried out in support of new approaches, such as extended-day school programmes, in consultation with the body responsible for Luxembourg City's primary schools (Direction de région 01).
Furthermore, exchanges between childcare centres and athletic and cultural associations will be required in order to facilitate children's transfer between child care centres and the district's various clubs.
"Forest school" programmes will be encouraged, both as part of the school curriculum and for child care centres and crèches. These programmes will be accompanied by specific training for teachers and childcare workers.
Making schools a calm and welcoming place for learning
The college of aldermen is committed to providing its educational staff with modern or renovated facilities and equipment, which is crucial to support their teaching activities. New facilities are under construction or in the planning phase in Cents, Cessange, Dommeldange, Limpertsberg, Gasperich and the Gare district.
The school needs in Bonnevoie, Hollerich, Gasperich, Belair and Beggen will be monitored closely, given the growth of these districts.
Together with MENEJ, the college of aldermen is looking at innovative approaches to offer primary school classes in Luxembourgish on the same sites as classes taught in English and French.
The college of aldermen is keen to respond to the needs of children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties who attend public schools in the capital. A plan will be developed in collaboration with MENEJ to determine the best approach for these children.
A study on educational tourism will be launched, followed by an in-depth discussion of the issues uncovered. Decisions will be made in order to prevent abuse of the system.
The college of aldermen supports innovative projects involving the close collaboration of childcare centres and schools, such as the extended-day school programme on Rue Michel Welter and the similar programme for Cycle 1 pupils in Limpertsberg. We welcome any initiatives along these lines proposed by school committees.
Homework assistance will be introduced in all districts on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
A forest school for Cycle 1 classes will be set up in Mühlenbach. Access to forest shelters will also be provided to other Luxembourg City school classes.
The City of Luxembourg will work with government officials to develop a joint policy concerning the establishment of private and international schools within the municipality.
Crèches: high-quality care from the youngest age
The City of Luxembourg will be expanding its network of crèches. Municipal crèches are currently under construction in Gasperich, Cents, Belair and Bonnevoie. Others will be set up at the École de la Congrégation, within the former home of the Bourg-Gemen Foundation in Limpertsberg, in Neudorf and in the Gare district.
Strong cooperation must be maintained with private crèches. We shall investigate the options for publishing information on open spots in crèches. The college of aldermen is open to alternative crèche approaches, including forest nurseries, for example, based on the "forest schools" model.
Child care centres: a welcoming environment for promoting creativity
The City of Luxembourg will be expanding its network of child care centres in order to meet demand. Childcare centres play a key role in the linguistic integration of children from outside Luxembourg. New centres are currently planned for Cents, Dommeldange, Limpertsberg and Neudorf.
Changes in demand will be monitored closely and the needs of districts with higher population growth will be taken into consideration. It will be necessary to cooperate with MENEJ to develop a joint policy on childcare centres for international schools.
The concept of freely structured activities, recommended by MENEJ, consisting of creative or athletic workshops alternating with more mindful pursuits, quiet time and reading, is applied at the city's childcare centres.
The Service Foyers scolaires (Childcare Department) will merge with CAPEL to provide an optimal environment for children during the school holidays. CAPEL will need to organise its programmes in close cooperation with the Service Enseignement (Education Department), so that its activities also explore applications or extensions of knowledge acquired in school.
Key objectives: make children feel welcome, address parents' concerns, and promote the values of solidarity, mutual respect and gender equality.
Social policy
The main aim of the City of Luxembourg's social policy is to allow all its residents to find their place in a society that offers them a decent quality of life and fosters their personal growth.
In terms of social issues, the college of aldermen attaches the utmost importance to a two-fold strategy of prevention and integration. It does this through a broad-based policy encompassing young people, families, the elderly, and marginalised individuals and families requiring social support.
Prevention: fostering dialogue and social cohesion in the city
Preventive social policy is a key component of the college of aldermen's urban strategy. To this end, meeting places and community spaces will be set up in all districts to promote dialogue and integration. In this same vein, the housing provided by the City of Luxembourg will cater for a range of living situations – particularly those of young families and the elderly. In this respect, it will be vital to develop athletic and cultural facilities, crèches and youth centres, in line with the city's population growth.
A city for young people
The City of Luxembourg aims to provide young people with places where they can get together, enjoy a safe environment for them to develop in their own way and find help when they need it. A comprehensive range of facilities will be made available to a large number of young people to help encourage their own personal growth and, in some cases, to help prevent them from going down the wrong path.
The college of aldermen will promote the creation of places for social interaction, athletic facilities and play areas for young people with the aim of encouraging contact, dialogue and integration. For instance, the City of Luxembourg will break ground on several additional multi-purpose sports fields. Youth clubs will be set up, particularly in the districts of Cents-Carmel, Gasperich, Cessange and Limpertsberg.
Cultural, athletic and leisure activities for young people will be organised, and access to culture will be facilitated by a range of offerings aligned with the young people's interests (music, dance, graffiti, etc.).
Measures to prepare young people for the world of work, and to help them find jobs, will be developed. The Leierplazen project, in which a number of municipal departments participate, will be expanded.
Young people are encouraged to participate in public life through youth forums.
Associations and clubs bringing together large numbers of young people will receive increased support from the City of Luxembourg.
The college of aldermen plans to redouble its efforts to support young people in distress with the assistance of organisations and institutions. The college of aldermen will also support the streetwork initiatives that help young people living on the streets.
Seniors: help and support to enhance well-being and prevent solitude
The college of aldermen is particularly committed to ensuring the well-being of the elderly.
Being able to stay in their own homes is paramount for many older people. The college of aldermen's initiatives for seniors will be designed in full awareness of this key concern. Additional assistance will be offered so that seniors can stay in their own homes as long as they want – as far as possible.
When it is no longer feasible for them to live in their own homes, our elders (and their loved ones) can rest assured that the college of aldermen is working tirelessly to ensure excellent quality of life for them, be this through the first-rate care provided by the city's nursing homes and other similar facilities, or by promoting independent living facilities and intergenerational housing projects. The construction of new residential units in various districts is planned in order to allow the elderly to continue living in the city as long as possible, and preferably in their own familiar neighbourhoods.
Social, cultural and athletic activities will be organised to help combat the loneliness experienced by older residents. Daily assistance will also continue to be offered to seniors to help them get around or carry out certain everyday tasks, for example.
People with special needs
The City of Luxembourg's efforts to accommodate and support people with special needs will be expanded through a new range of offerings to enable everyone to live as independently as possible.
The action plan for the integration of people with special needs will thus be fully realised. Luxembourg City's participatory committee will need to be more involved in all areas of municipal policy-making. We will be encouraging greater involvement and participation by people with special needs, while lending support to organisations working in this area and continuing to make improvements in access to sporting and cultural events. Inclusive practices will be encouraged at schools and childcare centres.
We will improve the accessibility of public spaces, including both indoor and outdoor facilities, and public transport will be made accessible to everyone. The development of special services like Bus on Demand, Call-a-Bus and Rollibus will be expanded.
The City of Luxembourg will develop new housing that caters to people with special needs.
The college of aldermen will also support the development of apps to assist people with special needs in their daily lives by offering solutions for the difficulties these people often face.
Awareness campaigns will also be rolled out, aimed at educating the public about the difficulties faced by people with special needs.
Single-parent families
Single-parent families are among the city's most vulnerable groups, in terms of their financial circumstances, housing situation and living conditions in general. Single parents often have a great deal of difficulty balancing work and family life. They are also subject to a higher risk of poverty.
The City of Luxembourg's various departments will be better informed about the issues these families face, so they can provide better guidance to single parents in applying for benefits and understanding the types of assistance available.
Children at risk of poverty and social exclusion
The City of Luxembourg will continue to grant financial assistance for children at risk of poverty.
We shall work to ensure refugee children are able to integrate at the city's schools and childcare centres, and have access to the care provided by the Service Médecine scolaire (School Health Department). Assistance will continue to be provided by social workers to children and families experiencing financial hardship and/or psychological distress.
The college of aldermen believes that ensuring as many children as possible can be accommodated in crèches, schools and childcare centres is an effective way to prevent social problems.
People who are in need or have become socially marginalised
A key target of the City of Luxembourg's social policies is people who are in need, be they young or old, and be they experiencing financial hardship, social difficulties and/or psychological issues.
The City of Luxembourg will continue to support social institutions working with people in need and those who are marginalised: social supermarkets, streetwork initiatives, day and night centres for the homeless, centres for drug users and sex workers. Financial assistance will be provided to organisations working in this field, and cooperation with the relevant ministries and the managers of institutions will be strengthened.
The city is facing a rise in demand for such services. In the coming years, a crucial point will be to determine how these aid programmes can best cater to the broad range of potential users, while ensuring that the availability of this assistance does not cause increased demand. In other words, it is important that assistance be correctly targeted without encouraging social tourism. An external assessment of Abrigado (a low-threshold centre in Luxembourg City for people dependent on drugs) will be conducted.
Although the City of Luxembourg cannot and would not wish to neglect its responsibilities, the burden of those responsibilities must be shared with other municipalities across the country and the relevant ministries. Efforts will also be pursued to promote closer collaboration with similar organisations across the Greater Region.
Social intervention must, of course, be focused on reducing suffering for marginalised people, but also on limiting disturbances for other city residents. While it is important for all citizens to fulfil their social responsibilities, it is also necessary to encourage those who are marginalised to accept the responsibilities they have to themselves and to society. Any person receiving assistance must accept certain constraints, in particular – at the very least – those relating to the safety of the staff providing this assistance.
Monitoring of social work
Regular monitoring of the social conditions across the city is necessary in order to adapt our strategy to the actual requirements in the field. The college of aldermen will therefore take the necessary measures to update the statistics it needs in order to implement effective social policy.
Gender equality
The college of aldermen will continue to promote equal opportunities within the municipal administration, to allow both men and women to balance their family and work life. The measures to be implemented by the college of aldermen include increasing the number of slots at crèches and childcare centres within the city, expanding possibilities for part-time work and offering opportunities for remote working depending on each department's needs. The City of Luxembourg will also continue to support initiatives to raise awareness among the public, as well as at schools, childcare centres and crèches, and among municipal staff, to promote understanding and tackle prejudice in this area.
As part of its support for NGOs operating in developing countries, the college of aldermen aims to sponsor various projects, including those working to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
The City of Luxembourg also seeks to cultivate diversity: the municipal administration aims to set an example by fostering the coexistence of people of all genders and ages, as well as the inclusion of people with special needs, within the municipal administration in order to promote a more open and tolerant society.
Integration policy
Luxembourg City embraces its open and cosmopolitan spirit
Luxembourg City is a welcoming place. Over 70% of Luxembourg City's residents are not Luxembourgish. It is crucial that we remain a community and continue to integrate newly arrived residents into our city and our society.
The college of aldermen will pursue this objective by adopting a proactive policy and by drawing on the many initiatives of Luxembourg City residents and organisations, as well as the work of the city's commission consultative communale d'intégration – CCCI (municipal advisory committee on integration). The Municipal Integration Plan will serve as a road map in this endeavour, and will be re-evaluated on a regular basis.
To ensure the integration process is successful, it is necessary to create a social framework, meeting places and events that foster dialogue between the different communities.
Although it is important to make sure that these various communities can preserve their own culture and observe their own traditions, it is also necessary to actively promote social cohesion: the college of aldermen will support cultural and sporting initiatives, as well as other projects that build bridges between communities. Even greater efforts will be made to provide information to residents who are not Luxembourg nationals about the city's athletic and leisure activities.
Integration of children and young people
The successful integration of entire families is often best achieved by efforts focusing on children. Programmes must be organised to enable children and young people attending international schools to interact every day with those attending the city's public schools. The city's youth centres and other support structures of this kind are open to everyone. Clubs play a major role in promoting the social inclusion of all children and young people.
Support will also be provided to municipal departments and organisations helping elderly immigrants to integrate.
The college of aldermen intends to encourage civic engagement and will work together with the CCCI to encourage non-Luxembourg nationals to take part in municipal elections.
The college of aldermen enhance its collaboration with the Luxembourg Reception and Integration Agency (Office luxembourgeois de l'accueil et de l'intégration – OLAI) to jointly determine the best way to reach out to city residents who have already demonstrated their civic engagement by signing a reception and integration agreement (contrat d'accueil et d'intégration – CAI).
The college of aldermen will continue to support initiatives on behalf of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection, and will continue its measures to integrate the children of refugee families into the city's schools.
Providing assistance with administrative procedures will be encouraged.
Languages and communication
Speaking the local language(s) is always an absolutely essential aspect of integration. The college of aldermen recommends expanding the number of language courses on offer and supports initiatives that encourage residents to practice their linguistic skills, such as language cafés, conversation tables and coaching sessions. Furthermore, City of Luxembourg staff will be happy to work with members of immigrant communities who wish to organise classes in their own languages.
The college of aldermen will continue its efforts to facilitate exchanges between the different communities for the benefit of all residents. We will continue supporting the activities of the Just Arrived Ambassadors (JAA) Club.
Environment
The City of Luxembourg will continue to be a trailblazer in environmental policy, with the aim of ensuring excellent quality of life for its residents, but also helping protect nature and addressing climate change. In fact, despite its constant population growth, Luxembourg City (which opened the country's first recycling centre in 1988) has seen a decrease in its total volume of collected waste, reflecting a 32% decline of waste collected per resident over the last ten years. The City of Luxembourg will maintain its boycott of pesticides, while continuing to ensure its public spaces are well maintained and welcoming, through the use of mechanical or thermal pest-control methods. Other elements of the city's environmental policy include: the expansion and creation of green spaces as part of new PAPs and major urban development projects, the modernisation of existing parks and green spaces, and using these spaces to promote active travel. In particular, the City of Luxembourg will continue to examine and build on the interplay between various policies, such as transport and air quality.
Parks and green spaces
Parks and green spaces are an integral part of the urban development policy pursued by the City of Luxembourg. The city has a few large-scale projects in the pipeline that are aimed at providing enjoyable recreational areas for its citizens: the creation of the city's largest park in Ban de Gasperich, the land restoration project in the Pétrusse Valley and the development of a green belt in Limpertsberg. At the same time, linking green spaces can provide routes to promote active travel, and will make the commute to and from work or school safer and more pleasant.
The city's green spaces – in particular the municipal forests – which represent 50% of the city's total area, are managed in accordance with ecological principles. A forest school will soon open, and the first caravans to be used to promote forest schools have just been installed. Teachers and childcare workers will be encouraged to take up training in forest school methods and ecology in general. Eco-friendly gardening will be promoted as an important civic virtue.
Eco-friendly urban planning
The City of Luxembourg will complete its list of recommendations for eco-friendly urban planning and construction. Installing green roofs and facades on modern buildings can produce spectacular architectural results, while also offering environmental benefits. One project of this type is planned as part of the Porte de Hollerich project, which will be developed as an eco-district aiming for zero CO₂ emissions and will feature state-of-the-art waste-recovery systems. Another project of this type is the Kirchberg water tower. Local sourcing of raw materials will be encouraged.
Waste management
An in-depth study will be carried out on waste management in general and the procedures for collecting waste in particular, in order to best serve the needs of residents.
Waste prevention and reuse are always preferable to recycling or other forms of recovery, and of course, to incineration or landfill. For this reason, the college of aldermen will be supporting projects like repair cafés and community street sales, but we will also try to initiate a pilot project to encourage the reuse of all kinds of items in connection with the opening of the new recycling centre.
The recycling centre will be moving from Route d'Arlon to a site adjoining the Merl cemetery, on the border with Strassen. We shall be weighing up the idea of establishing mini recycling centres (monitored by surveillance camera) throughout the city – in particular, to facilitate green waste recycling. The possibility of setting up a second recycling centre will also be examined.
The "igloos" (recycling bins for paper, glass, clothing and batteries) on the city's streets will be replaced by underground bins where possible, notably in the newly created districts. Cleanliness around the 60+ existing container stations around the city will be improved. Bins for selective sorting will be installed on a trial basis in certain key locations.
The fees for paper and glass bins will be revised to encourage their use.
The City of Luxembourg will make sure the division of responsibilities relating to waste between the municipal authorities and private service providers is clearly defined.
Recycling procedures for all categories of waste will be evaluated to ensure that their ecological footprint is truly sustainable.
For the recovery of organic waste, the college of aldermen intends to explore other innovative approaches. An analysis will be carried out, for example, to see whether dry fermentation could replace wet fermentation, which is the current method in use at the city's biogas plants.
In order to safeguard public health and ensure public spaces are kept clean, the Service Hygiène (Sanitation Department) will raise awareness among both residents and visitors about the importance of responsible behaviour by means of innovative campaigns. In addition, the City of Luxembourg will be looking to acquire equipment, tools and vehicles with a view to reducing noise pollution.
Combatting waste
The system for collecting plastic waste will be re-examined. The City of Luxembourg is closely monitoring the pilot project being carried out by Valorlux in other municipalities, with the aim of facilitating the disposal of a wider range of plastic waste in blue collection bags. To reduce the amount of plastic waste, the City of Luxembourg will continue using reusable dishes and cups at the events it organises.
Support for all initiatives to combat food waste will also be maintained, with the participation of retailers and the sector represented by Horesca (the national federation of hotel, restaurant and café owners), businesses, canteens (in particular those at childcare centres), volunteer organisations and social supermarkets.
The development of new grocery retail systems to avoid waste or promote the circular economy will be encouraged.
The City of Luxembourg will also step up its recycling awareness efforts targeting managers and management companies of apartment buildings. A waste prevention advisory unit will be set up.
Saving energy
In order to meet the objectives set out in the city's roadmap report (Leitbild), its climate change action plan will be finalised, including measures both to reduce energy consumption and to promote renewable energies. For example, energy efficiency in the city's buildings and transport network will be improved, and initiatives to raise awareness among the general public will be launched.
Furthermore, the college of aldermen remains open to new projects in these areas (electricity, water consumption, public lighting, energy consumption in buildings, solar collectors). Solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels will be installed more systematically in public buildings, such as on the roofs of schools.
Air and water quality, noise pollution
Efforts to ensure excellent drinking water quality include investments in source catchments, the implementation of groundwater source protection zones and preparing the Beggen water treatment plant for demographic growth and energy recovery. We shall work closely with the agricultural sector, including organic farmers and scientific researchers.
Air quality will continue to be monitored, as will noise levels – especially airport noise resulting from night flights. Nitrogen oxide concentrations will continue to be monitored, although it is worth noting that they are already showing a downward trend.
The City of Luxembourg is following the work of other cities with great interest – particularly pilot projects for the application of special road surfaces. These surfaces require more salting in the winter, but reduce noise levels.
Safety
Luxembourg City is one of the world's safest capital cities, as has been confirmed by recent studies. However, a certain level of insecurity continues to be felt by people living and working in the city, which is a key issue.
The college of aldermen intends to mobilise the resources necessary to plan or redesign public spaces, coordinate urban policies, and strengthen dialogue with the police and judicial authorities in order to combat crime, drug trafficking, public disorder and organised begging.
Public safety and security are ensured by a proper balance between prevention, dissuasion and crackdown. It is on this particular policy mix that the college of aldermen intends to focus.
Increasing police presence
The college of aldermen will petition the government to obtain a substantial increase in the number of police officers assigned to the capital, given the significant growth in its population in recent years.
Police stations throughout the city must have sufficient staff to carry out their duties, especially in neighbourhoods having seen increased clusters of incidents, and to guarantee the physical presence of officers in public places.
Safety and the shared use of public space
The safety of those sharing the city's public spaces is a constant concern for the college of aldermen. It will be addressed not only by way of social measures to assist the most disadvantaged, but also through adequate planning and management of public places in the city, involving the elimination of dark corners by improving street lighting, for example, to enhance safety.
The college of aldermen also plans to assess the current video surveillance system and will consider its possible extension for moderate- and high-risk areas. Video surveillance is a preventative tool that has already proven effective in other capital cities and that can be used to monitor crime hotspots.
Improving safety for road users
The safety of road users (pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transport users) is of great importance.
Equipment displaying vehicle speeds and speed limit control systems must be more widely rolled out across the city. Measures must be taken to raise awareness among drivers.
The safety of pedestrians and cyclists must be guaranteed.
An awareness campaign focusing on safety for pedestrians and cyclists will be rolled out. One of its aims will be to remind the public of the rules that all road users must follow to ensure everyone's safety.
Incivilities on the city's roads, streets and pavements
The problem of begging requires a multidisciplinary approach from the outset. The college of aldermen wishes to continue its efforts to establish specialised homeless shelters.
The presence of streetwork operatives in the field will be maintained, and dialogue with at-risk people will be continued.
Nevertheless, the aggressive behaviour of some beggars disturbs the public order. Some of them also engage in insalubrious behaviour in public. To deal with this type of conduct, the college of aldermen feels that the possibility of imposing a Platzverweis (an order to leave an area or prohibition on entering an area) would allow the police to intervene more effectively as necessary.
The phenomenon of begging in organised gangs has also increased in recent years.
The college of aldermen will work with the competent government authorities to prepare a plan of action on how to deal with this issue, calling for closer cooperation with police in neighbouring countries to fight organised begging.
In the same respect, the college of aldermen plans to review the city's general regulations on public order and safety (règlement général de police) in order to adapt them to the needs of a modern society.
The proposed legislation giving municipal agents the authority to verify and penalise violations of the municipal regulations (règlement communal) will better guarantee compliance with these regulations.
Lastly, the role of the Comité de prévention local (local prevention committee), acting under the aegis of the College of aldermen, will be to strengthen dialogue with the various stakeholders concerned and to organise round tables on these issues at local level.
Culture
The college of aldermen will work to promote the city's cultural visibility at national, regional and international level. All initiatives that could enhance Luxembourg's international reputation as a cultural centre are welcome, and the City of Luxembourg will make sure that cultural institutions located in the city enjoy modern facilities and are given the resources they need.
Culture fosters social cohesion and dialogue between all members of society. Events in multiple languages and an openness to cultural programming by non-Luxembourgish communities enhance cultural life in the city.
Cultural offerings must run the gamut from traditional to modern. The cultural heritage of Luxembourg City, that of our country and that of Europe, as well as emerging trends in the contemporary art scene, whether within Luxembourg or from around the world, all find their place in our institutions.
This approach to cultural programming, with its eye on the future, the present and the past, encompassing the range of human emotions and the problems faced by society, is pursued by the city's cultural institutions, with the support of cultural organisers from outside these institutions, cultural centres in the various districts, as well as cultural and socio-cultural associations.
The college of aldermen aims to offer cultural programming that is of interest for a wide range of audiences.
Access to culture
The City of Luxembourg feels strongly that everyone should have access to culture. Introducing children and young people to culture is an important step in promoting equal opportunities.
The educational programmes in place at all the city's cultural institutions – the library, the museums, the theatres, the conservatory of music, the Cinémathèque – will be expanded, as will all programming specifically intended for children and young people.
The college of aldermen considers the contribution of associations to cultural life in the country to be essential. The support provided to these associations will be enhanced, including making premises available to facilitate their activities.
An assessment of the uptake of existing cultural programmes will be carried out.
Culture in the public arena
Special emphasis is placed on public displays of culture.
Exhibitions of photos and sculptures in public squares and in parks that underscore the unique features of the city, its population and its history, are particularly favoured.
In addition, cultural events in public places, such as festivals and concerts, will be even better adapted to the various sites and to different audiences.
Time spent in urban settings will be more enjoyable thanks to modern and welcoming street furniture.
Support for creativity
Creativity within the city's cultural institutions will be encouraged and all initiatives showcasing the creative talents of Luxembourg City residents will be welcome.
National and international theatre productions will be supported, since dialogue between local, regional and international cultures is encouraged. Collaborations between cultural actors will be fostered, as will cross-disciplinary events, encompassing art, theatre and cinema.
The redesign of the former slaughterhouse will feature a number of studios for artists.
The City of Luxembourg will also continue to support local artists by acquiring new works by residents for its own collections.
Urban art in the public space will continue to be encouraged, in particular through socio-cultural projects for young people, with guidance offered by professional artists.
The college of aldermen will also support publishers by offering its backing for books related to Luxembourg City.
Heritage
As 2018 is the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the treasures of Luxembourg City's tangible and intangible heritage will be celebrated through various events. The City will update its list of monuments and architectural heritage sites, while also keeping up its long-standing traditions, like the Schueberfouer funfair, the Octave pilgrimage and festival, the Emaischen folk festival and the Chrëschtmaart, its Christmas market.
The City's archives and Photothèque will move into new premises, and the digitisation of their collections and related documents will continue.
The Cinémathèque will be expanded and transformed so that it can diversify its programming and offer access to people with reduced mobility.
Tourism and culture
The college of aldermen will work to make the city more attractive to tourists by helping to enhance the appeal of its Old Town and the ruins of its fortifications and by making these areas more accessible, by adding footpaths and historic walking routes, and by improving tourist information and visitor directions. A new lighting system to showcase the stunning beauty of our fortress will be installed in phases.
For this project, the latest technologies – in particular augmented and virtual reality – will be used to enhance historic sites and tourist attractions.
Sports
The college of aldermen intends to redouble the City of Luxembourg's efforts to promote and encourage sports. As is well known, regular exercise can considerably improve your health. Furthermore, athletic events and programmes, school sports and sports clubs contribute to social cohesion and are an important vector for integration.
Lastly, participating in sports inculcates a set of values that are essential for the education of any well-rounded person: fair play, team spirit, excelling oneself, discipline and respect for others.
Major projects
Considerable investment will be made to promote sports.
The construction of a new football and rugby stadium in Cloche d'Or is already under way. A new building for the Service Sports (Sports Department) will be built next to the stadium, along with a multi-purpose field able to host an audience of some 10,000 spectators.
Plans for an open-air swimming pool are being reviewed.
The municipal pool (Badanstalt) will be renovated.
The construction of an eight-track athletics stadium will be a priority, because this facility must be completed in order to proceed with the renovation of the Josy Barthel Stadium. The gymnasium at this stadium will be replaced by a temporary facility next to the Aloyse Kayser school, and then by a permanent structure on Rue d'Ostende.
Projects for the expansion and modernisation of sporting facilities will be pursued all across the city to ensure everyone has the possibility to practice sports near their home.
The expansion and modernisation of sporting facilities for schoolchildren is currently under way in Cents, Bonnevoie, Dommeldange, Cessange and Kirchberg. The number of multi-use sports halls and swimming pools accessible to schools and clubs will therefore be increased. The Dommeldange gymnasium will include two air trampolines, which may be used by the city's children, but also by people with disabilities or psychomotor impairment. A new gymnasium will be built in Bonnevoie.
The number of multi-purpose fields available for young people in the city will be increased.
Events and support for clubs
The City of Luxembourg will redefine its policy for grants by following the recommendations of the "Qualité plus" programme established by the Ministry of Sport (Ministère des Sports). The aim is to give recognition to the excellent work accomplished by sports clubs in the city.
Athletic activities for children, young people, adults and seniors will be continually updated to meet the needs of users and bring them in line with the latest trends.
Projections have been regarding sporting requirements in schools as well as sports clubs and associations. The needs of children attending private and international schools who want to make use of the sporting facilities in their own neighbourhood or who join the city's sport clubs will also need to be taken into account.
Outdoor sports will be encouraged, and the installation of fitness equipment in public parks will be continued.
Associations play an essential role in promoting sports and can count on the college of aldermen's support.
The possibility of creating a Maison des Sports with a single secretariat will be examined.
The City of Luxembourg will work with the government to create synergies between national and municipal facilities.
Financial position and human resources
The city's economic growth in recent years, coupled with better control of operating expenditure by municipal departments, has enabled the City of Luxembourg to carry out a major public investment programme while retaining a strong overall financial position.
The college of aldermen will continue this policy and actions along these lines. It will make sure that the municipal departments have staff that is suitably qualified to carry out its duties in the service of the city's residents, reconciling the needs of the municipal administration with the legitimate interests of employees as far as possible.
An ambitious investment policy
The college of aldermen will analyse forward-looking financial data to help maintain a balanced budget while taking account of the impact of the 2017 municipal finance reform in Luxembourg.
We will define the City of Luxembourg's strategic objectives based on the policy priorities of this comprehensive mission statement issued by the college of aldermen, and will implement the most effective measures to achieve them, particularly in the area of housing.
Innovation and modernisation of the municipal administration
The college of aldermen will analyse opportunities and will implement new technologies, in particular by moving toward digitisation and the creation of a "smart city". We will effectively orchestrate cross-disciplinary projects requiring the expert input of multiple departments.
In terms of staffing, we will adapt the municipal administration's organisational structure, along with that of the individual municipal departments. We will also formally set out revised job descriptions including the main responsibilities inherent to each position. The college of aldermen will draw up plans for training and for the procurement of professional development tools with the aim of leveraging the full potential of the city's employees.
