Thousands of cyclists at rally in Hamburg

German cities consider greater cohesion in society to be necessary and want to make their contribution. The President of the German Association of Cities, Mayor Markus Lewe from Münster, said at the start of the annual general meeting of the leading municipal association in Dortmund: "Sticking together in our cities - that is reality, demand and hope at the same time. We are experiencing developments in Germany and throughout Europe that are calling into question our previous consensus on the values of a free and democratic society. In addition, some people feel left behind. We need more cohesion again. This is not an issue for cities alone, but it is a major issue for cities. Because we in local politics are the first point of contact for the people. They come to our town halls with their concerns, whether we are responsible or not. We want to strengthen the cohesion in our cities, and we are committed to a diverse and tolerant society."

The general assembly of the German Association of Cities, which takes place every two years, this time has the motto "Sticking together in our cities". Around 1300 delegates and guests are expected in Dortmund. The most prominent speakers on Wednesday are Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and NRW Minister President Armin Laschet. The German Association of Cities and Towns represents around 3,400 cities and municipalities with almost 52 million inhabitants vis-à-vis the Federal Government, the Federal Council and the European Union. It sees itself as the voice of the cities because it represents all independent cities including the city states as well as most cities belonging to a district.

In addition to cohesion, the German Association of Cities is currently particularly concerned with the topics of transport, housing, climate protection and the reform of property tax. On the occasion of their general meeting, the cities are calling on the federal and state governments to make much more progress on the transport turnaround. To this end, the German Association of Cities demands an investment offensive worth billions. It is also pushing for greater success in housing construction in growing cities so that more affordable housing is created for people with low incomes and for broad sections of the population.

Getting the transport revolution off the ground

President of the Association of Cities Markus Lewe explained: "We must not be timid and hesitant when it comes to transforming our transport systems. And we must make do rather than spill the beans. The municipal transport infrastructure is dramatically underfinanced, there is an investment backlog of over 38 billion euros. In order to reverse the trend towards sustainable mobility, the municipalities need an investment offensive from the federal and state governments that goes beyond previous programmes, with additional funds of 20 billion euros for at least ten years, i.e. 2 billion annually. Climate protection in transport has also been neglected for too long. That is why action must be taken quickly now. The transport turnaround must get going. We must help a sustainable, environmentally friendly and climate-friendly mobility for all to achieve a breakthrough. Many people want this and it will make our cities more liveable. To this end, the cities are demanding an overall concept for sustainable mobility from the federal and state governments, in which climate protection plays an important role. Above all, we need more attractive offers to switch from car to train, public transport, bicycle and footpaths". Of course, the cities are also investing in low-emission buses and trains, improving transport networks and expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Around 11 billion passengers travel on public transport in Germany every year, and the trend is rising. In reality, however, public transport has been living on its substance for years. Tunnels and tracks need to be renovated, new buses and trains need to be purchased and stops need to be rebuilt. The federal government must now quickly implement its promise in the coalition agreement to increase the federal programme for major projects in the Municipal Transport Financing Act (GVFG) from around 330 million to 1 billion euros. For the expansion and reconstruction of roads, railways and tracks, the federal states are also required to increase the GVFG funds in line with demand, for which they will be financially responsible from 2020.

"Bicycle traffic is increasing significantly, more and more people are cycling further distances themselves, and electric scooters will soon also be using cycle paths more. That's why we also need a cycle path offensive from the federal government, the federal states and the municipalities."Lewe demanded.

It is also necessary to reallocate the limited public space in cities. On average, passenger cars transport only 1.4 people per trip, but they need the most space per passenger. Lewe made clear: "We need more areas in public space for encounters and for sustainable mobility. The face of our cities should not be a car park or a four-lane road. In consequence, this will have to mean: less space for cars, but more space for people travelling by public transport, by bike or on foot. Cities must negotiate this new balance in dialogue with their citizens. Success is measured above all by the acceptance of the population and the local businesses.

Housing is a basic need - implement housing offensive with more speed

Despite the housing offensive announced at the housing summit in autumn 2018 and some positive decisions by the federal and state governments, too few new affordable flats are being built, especially in conurbations and growing cities, emphasised the president of the Association of Cities and Towns. What is currently needed are about 400,000 new flats every year. In fact, only 290,000 were built last year. The lack of building land, high land prices and construction costs make it difficult to create affordable housing.

The cities themselves are developing building land strategies, in some cases giving away land at a reduced price and obliging larger investors to provide affordable housing on a pro-rata basis. However, the existing problems can only be overcome in a concerted effort by all parties involved, Lewe made clear: "Housing is a basic need for every human being. Creating sufficient affordable housing cannot be left to the market alone. All actors are called upon. We must build, build and build. The housing offensive must be implemented with more speed. The cities want to contribute to this. They will continue to mobilise building land and enable redensification. And they will do so in a way that builds in good quality and ensures a social mix of the population in the neighbourhoods."

Social housing construction and the availability of building land remain essential. That is why the cities are glad that the federal government will continue to share responsibility for social housing promotion and will not withdraw at the end of this year. And that is why it should be easier again for cities to actively provide building land for affordable housing. To this end, for example, the municipalities' right of first refusal should be strengthened. "What is needed are 80,000 to 120,000 new social housing units per year. Currently there are only about half as many," says Lewe.

Quelel: PM of the German Association of Cities from 4.6.2019