Vienna's Urban Development Plan for 2035 Approved

On April 23, 2025, the Vienna City Council approved the city's Urban Development Plan for 2035, referred to as the Vienna Plan. This plan, introduced by City Councilor Omar Al-Rawi, is designed to address future challenges and shape the city for generations yet unborn. Al-Rawi emphasized that the current plan aims to tackle issues such as urban growth and the creation of walkable neighborhoods, reflecting lessons learned from past development strategies.

One of the primary focuses of the new plan is climate protection and adapting to climate change. Al-Rawi highlighted the city's commitment to avoiding sealed surfaces that can create heat islands and pointed to successful initiatives like 'Raus aus dem Asphalt' that have enhanced Vienna's climate resilience. As the city continues to grow, the demand for housing, infrastructure, and environmentally friendly transportation options--including public transit and cycling facilities--remains a priority.

Dr. Stefan Gara from the NEOS party acknowledged the contributions of the municipal experts involved in drafting the development plan, which integrates detailed strategies such as the health structure plan and the Vienna heating and cooling plan. He described the Vienna Plan as a cohesive framework that outlines the city's priorities: climate protection, adaptation to climate change, and circular economy. Gara stressed the importance of the plan in guiding the necessary transition towards a decarbonized future, with a clear objective of phasing out gas by 2040, which requires appropriate legal frameworks to facilitate implementation.

Health infrastructure, alongside educational facilities, has also been factored into the planning process to ensure accessible healthcare in newly developed neighborhoods--a notable addition to the development strategy.

Heidemarie Sequenz from the Green Party expressed support for the plan, noting its alignment with essential themes and objectives. However, she criticized the duration of the council's debate on the development plan, suggesting that a collaborative approach could have streamlined discussions. Sequenz pointed out that while the Vienna Plan sets ambitious goals for climate protection and resource conservation, the pace of implementation needs to accelerate. She highlighted the increasing need for cooling solutions in residential buildings due to climate change and called for practical measures to assist residents suffering from overheating.

Additionally, Sequenz criticized the city's decision to continue with the construction of the Lobau Tunnel, arguing that it contradicts the city's goals for reducing car traffic.

During the council meeting, a motion to withdraw the development plan proposed by the Green Party did not receive sufficient support. Consequently, the Vienna Plan for urban development was passed with majority approval, while opposition proposals failed to gain the necessary backing.

In a separate discussion, Councilor Hannes Taborsky from the ÖVP raised concerns about the zoning of the Transgourmet site in Auhof, noting that the potential for a significant development project was averted only because the company withdrew its plans for a logistics center. He criticized the city for disregarding community concerns and proposed a building moratorium for the site, similar to one being considered for another area in Baumgarten. In response, Al-Rawi rejected the notion of imposing a building freeze on a recently zoned area, emphasizing the absurdity of such a move.

The zoning document was ultimately approved by majority vote, while the ÖVP's motion did not secure the required support.