Vienna 2035: How is the city responding to climate and demographic challenges?

Vienna does not want to leave its future to chance. This year, it introduced a new concept that sets the course for the development of the metropolis for the next ten years. The document comes with concrete strategies to address challenges associated with demographic growth, climate change, and housing availability. The aim is to ensure that Vienna does not become a concrete maze, but a modern city full of life and greenery. The City Hall is also mindful of responsible land management.

What specific questions does the new plan address? Over the last 15 years, the population of the metropolis has increased by more than 300,000 – roughly equal to the population of Austria's second-largest city, Graz. By 2035, another increase to over 2.2 million people is expected. What to do about it? Build. But wisely.

Approximately two-thirds of the newly created housing stock will consist of subsidized housing, which will remain affordable for a broad range of residents. The City Hall also commits to not expanding construction into new areas. Instead, it will utilize the existing 37 defined development zones, such as Seestadt Aspern or the area around the former Nordwestbahnhof station, thereby combining responsible land use planning, quality urban environments, and sustainability. Alongside this, the construction of public infrastructure, including schools, kindergartens, healthcare facilities, and other key public interest services, will continue.

An integral part of the document is a comprehensive climate strategy that emphasizes the protection of green spaces, which exceed 50% of Vienna's total area. The city has clearly defined untouched green areas and supports the planting of vegetation through projects such as "Beserlparks XL" or "Garden Streets," aimed at bringing trees and flowers into densely built-up areas. The initiative "Away with Asphalt" will also continue, literally transforming concrete into green oases.

Vienna prides itself on being easily accessible on foot, by bike, and via public transport, and it aims to further systematically develop this approach. The strategy therefore supports improvements to urban cycling infrastructure, strengthening public transportation, including connections to newly urbanized areas, and implementing principles of environmentally friendly logistics.

And how to engage Viennese residents? A part of the strategy includes transparent communication and citizen participation. The City Hall's initiative "Gemma Zukunft" offers the general public the opportunity to closely observe the transformation process of the metropolis – through guided walks and cycling tours throughout the city. From Vienna's markets to green projects.

The city's website for the new development plan: wien-plan.wienwirdwow.at