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Dr
Wendelin Wanka, Chief Executive Office of Vienna City
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INTEGRATIVE
CITY DEVELOPMENT - VIENNA EXAMPLES (Page 4)
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| 2)
To provide fresh perspectives for business and employment means
to upgrade Vienna as an international business location. The
key concept being a functional specialisation within a broad
range of sectors, for instance urban-, medical- and environmental
technologies. Sufficient space and a modern infrastructure as
well as the simplification of administrative procedures through
so-called One-Shop-Stops for companies improve the attractiveness.
The Vienna Business Agency has been founded to help and guide
potential investors. With respect to labour market policy, improving
especially the situation of the young, women and long-term-unemployed,
means have already been in place for integration, such as institutions
of practice-oriented higher education [Fachhochschulen]. |
| 3)
Investing in Knowledge, Education, Culture and Recreation will
strengthen the knowledge base - an undisputed intellectual asset
- which includes practical know-how, experience and skills to
be furthered through instruments such as the Technology and
Future Fund or the Vienna Education Network [400 compulsory
schools are quipped with some 10.000 computers to form a single
network]. Even though Vienna is known as a cultural city, the
Strategy Plan foresees even more the creation of an atmosphere
for new and flexible initiatives. Finally, the commercialisation
of leisure is a trend that requires careful control and management,
leisure centres may not destroy the urban flair. |
| 4)
Enhancing the quality of the Natural and Urban Environment -
I have already spoken about it - is important for the population
and business community. This includes the following measures:
an economical use of buildings and the promotion of areas of
natural landscape for recreation. According to opinion polls
among foreign tourists, over 50% come to Vienna to enjoy the
architectural heritage. Besides protecting this, we encourage
contemporary architecture as well. |
| 5)
Last but not least and somehow summarizing the before mentioned
foci is to maintain the high quality of life. Vienna is committed
to its integrative policy approach accomodating different generations,
cultures, religions and ways of life. A controlled immigration
became the norm in all European countries. The Vienna Integration
Fund for instance as one of many initiatives to foster integration.
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also the soft urban renewal by integrating the local population
has been very successful, particularly in neighbourhoods where
the population is rather poor, old or marked by a high share
of foreigners. Soft urban renewal favours rehabilitation and
renewal over demolition of old housing blocks. A measure in
this context are 13 neighbourhood management groups [Gebietsmanagement]
- teams of planers, engineers and social workers who provide
on-site expert counselling to the local population, landlords
and businesses. |
| Mobility
needs are met by the promotion of public transport, bike and
pedestrian traffic as outlined in the Urban Development Plan
and the Traffic and Transport Concept. Furthermore, the Climate
Protection Programme is comprising 30 measures in the fields
of electricity, heating and others to reduce C02 emissions.
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| Dr.
Wendelin Wanka, Chief Executive´s European Integration and Knowledge
Management Office |
| City
Hall, A-1082 Vienna, Austria |
| Tel:
0043-1-4000-82 205, Fax: 0043-1-4000-7122, Mail: post@mde.magwien.gv.at |
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