Commission tasked to devise plan for safeguarding workers from radiation hazards via irradiation regulations.
Düsseldorf's Mayor Reveals 2025 Election Agenda: More Green Spaces, Improved Infrastructure, and Affordable Housing
In a buzzing crowded high-rise on the banks of the Rhine, Mayor Stephan Keller revealed his ambitious plan for Düsseldorf’s 2025 election campaign. The Union invited some media representatives to the 13th floor of "The Zipper" as Keller laid out his vision for Düsseldorf. Here's a rundown of his promises:
1. Revamping The Königsallee:
Known for its upscale shopping and luxurious stores, Düsseldorf's iconic Königsallee could get a major facelift. Mayor Keller plans to boost its quality of life by enhancing facilities for cyclists, pedestrians, adding more outdoor dining sections, and making it a greener area overall.
2. A Greener Niederkassel:
Following a heated debate over the new construction of the Theodor-Heuss Bridge between residents, Keller acknowledged that no tram will pass over the bridge under his leadership. This means the bridge structure will not require an expansion by 12 meters. Instead, the mayor plans to create 50 green oases throughout Düsseldorf, with a size ranging from small forest patches in a roundabout to larger parks like the pocket park on Alberstraße in Flingern.
3. Improving Street Conditions:
Mayor Keller acknowledged the deteriorating condition of many Düsseldorf streets and pledged that he will beef up the city's maintenance efforts to enhance the livability factor in the city and its reputation as an economic hub.
4. Keeping the Trade Tax Low:
Not wanting to lose the competitive edge, Keller vowed to maintain Düsseldorf's lowest trade tax rate in the region, making it attractive for companies to set up shop in the city. Kloeckner, a stock-listed steel and metal trader, is evidenced as one company set to move to Düsseldorf from Duisburg.
5. Digitalizing Administration and Bureaucracy Reduction:
The new IT department head Olaf Wagner has already made strides in modernizing Düsseldorf's administration, with more work to be done in making the city "AI-ready." Keller aims to speed up permit procedures by assembling a task force with the IHK, Chamber of Crafts, DGB, and the business community, working together to identify and eradicate unnecessary steps in the administrative process.
6. Addressing Traffic Congestion:
Keller recognizes the city's ongoing struggle with traffic congestion and remains committed to his goal of a congestion-free Düsseldorf. To achieve this, he plans an extension of U 81 and the implementation of the second stage of the Rhine Express of the Rhinebahn, while encouraging an increase in cycling to 25%. However, criticism persists, deeming cycling infrastructure inadequate as of now.
7. Safety Across Districts:
The mayor pledged to increase public safety, especially in the districts, by forming dedicated teams of officers to patrol neighborhoods and expanding the Law & Order concept throughout the city.
8. Zero Tolerance for Littering:
Düsseldorf residents can breathe a sigh of relief, as Mayor Keller plans on taking a hardline stance against littering and pushing the limits of legal penalties to enforce cleanliness across the city.
9. Supporting Families, Education, and Seniors:
Düsseldorf's excellent care quotient will be maintained, with promises of free childcare for children between 0-6 years and support for senior citizens through suitable housing solutions, outpatient care, and contributions to community centers and plus centers.
10. Major Construction Projects:
Keller has more on his agenda, such as launching the construction of the new opera house at Wehrhahn and pushing forward the "New Center Heerdt" project, aimed at placing the B7 highway underground.
11. Ending Street Homelessness:
In a unique twist to his campaign, Mayor Keller pledges to end street homelessness for up to 700 people in the city within five to eight years, with a specialized facility catering to substance abuse, particularly crack addiction, and 500 accessible apartments for the rest of the homeless population in the long run. The project is estimated to cost around €80 million.
Stay tuned for updates on the implementation of these promises and much more news from Düsseldorf!
- The political agenda of Düsseldorf's Mayor Stephan Keller for the 2025 election includes addressing issues such as street homelessness, with a commitment to end street homelessness for up to 700 people in the city within five to eight years and providing 500 accessible apartments.
- In the realm of general news, ongoing projects like the revamping of the Königsallee, the construction of the new opera house at Wehrhahn, the "New Center Heerdt" project, and the transformation of 50 green oases throughout Düsseldorf are part of Düsseldorf's mayor's vision for the city.
