The second meeting of the Regional Council of Mayors in March focussed on housing construction. The discussion between the mayors showed that municipalities often have to mediate between different players (state, building developers, SNHBM, Fonds du Logement) and at the same time face structural challenges. These include increasing pressure on infrastructure, limited land availability, complex administrative procedures and limited human resources. The realisation of new forms of housing and social mix is also often difficult in practice.

Breaking new ground and working more closely together

However, concrete solutions have emerged from the discussion as to how municipalities can become active despite limited resources. These include the greater involvement of public property developers such as SNHBM and Fonds du Logement, the activation of vacant properties via the model of the Gestion Locative Sociale (GLS), targeted densification and the promotion of innovative forms of housing such as intergenerational or assisted living. Closer coordination of municipal planning instruments and a stronger role for Syvicol were also cited as important levers in housing policy.

Initial measures were defined on this basis: targeted information and awareness-raising work, the expansion of cooperation with central partners, the analysis of best practice examples and the implementation of specific pilot projects. These are to be evaluated step by step and, if successful, transferred to other municipalities.

The BuergermeeschterRot creates a structured framework for tackling common challenges in the region a coordinated and sustainable manner and making progress, particularly in the area of affordable housing.