Vienna City Council Holds First Meeting of 2025, Addresses Housing and Sobieski Monument
Vienna, Austria – The Vienna City Council kicked off its 2025 agenda with a poignant tribute to Anton Fürst, a former city council member and recipient of the Grand Silver Medal of Honor for services to the City of Vienna. Council Chairman GR Mag. Thomas reindl (SPÖ) highlighted Fürst’s lifelong dedication to the city and its residents, emphasizing his significant contributions to environmental policy and urban development. Reindl recalled Fürst’s involvement in initiatives like the “Separate Waste Collection” campaign and the renovation of the simmering waste management facilities.
Following the moment of silence, the council proceeded with its regular question-and-answer session.
Green Party council member Georg Prack raised concerns about the short-term rental of residential properties for tourism, specifically for periods exceeding 90 days per year. He inquired about the number of exceptions granted for rentals beyond this limit. Housing Minister Kathrin Gaál (SPÖ) emphasized the city’s priority of ensuring housing for permanent residents, rather than treating it as a commercial venture. She stated that the city has strengthened regulations regarding short-term rentals to address this concern. Gaál revealed that 709 applications for exceptions had been submitted by the end of 2024, with 244 approvals.While the city is not inherently opposed to short-term rentals for tourism, Gaál acknowledged that this practice can impact the character of neighborhoods and housing availability.
In a separate inquiry, ÖVP council member Mag. Laura Sachslehner sought facts about the “Vienna’s Relief” foundation study, commissioned by the city in response to the debate surrounding the Sobieski Monument.Culture Minister Veronica kaup-Hasler (SPÖ) explained that representatives from the city had agreed with the initiator of the debate at the outset to produce a research report. this report has been provided to the city,with the copyright remaining with the authors. Kaup-Hasler stated that the authors intend to update the report with current research findings before its publication and requested additional time for this process. The council will be informed about the precise publication date.
vienna’s Economic Development Agency Drives Growth and Innovation
Vienna’s Wirtschaftsagentur Wien, the city’s economic development agency, continues to play a crucial role in fostering growth and innovation, according to Wirtschaftsstadtrat Peter Hanke.
Hanke highlighted the agency’s commitment to supporting businesses, especially those driving economic innovation, stating that it effectively strengthens Vienna’s position as a leading economic hub.
last year alone,the agency successfully attracted 227 new companies to Vienna,generating €430 million in direct investments and creating 1,300 new jobs.
Hanke emphasized the agency’s focus on sustainability, integrating climate considerations into its funding criteria.
Two prominent examples showcasing the agency’s impact include:
Tischlereibetrieb Steiner: This longstanding viennese carpentry business,thanks to the agency’s support,secured a larger location in the 11th district,receiving €380,000 in funding. This expansion led to a significant increase in employees, rising from 30 to 40.
UpNano: This technology company, spun off from the TU Wien, received €260,000 in funding in 2019.Since than, UpNano has grown significantly, expanding its workforce from eight to over 40 employees. The company has also established a presence in Boston, successfully entering the American market.
These examples demonstrate the Wirtschaftsagentur Wien’s commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes, fostering innovation, and contributing to Vienna’s economic prosperity.
Vienna’s commitment to employee safety in healthcare facilities was also addressed.
Kulturstadträtin Kaup-Hasler, representing Gesundheitsstadtrat Peter Hacker, reported a decrease in danger reports filed in clinics and nursing homes operated by the Wiener Gesundheits- und Sozialbetriebe (WIGEV) in 2023.
Kaup-Hasler emphasized the city’s dedication to addressing workplace safety concerns and implementing further improvements to ensure a secure habitat for healthcare professionals.
Time.news Editor Sits Down with a Short-Term Rental Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, today we’re discussing Vienna’s recent crackdown on tourist-focused,
short-term rentals. Professor [Expert Name], you’ve been researching the impact of these regulations. Can
you shed light on the situation in Vienna?
Professor [Expert Name]: Certainly. Vienna, like many European cities, is grappling with the
challenges posed by short-term rentals, particularly those focused on tourist accommodation. As of
July 2024, new regulations limit rentals exceeding 90 days per year.
Time.news Editor: What prompted these new restrictions, professor?
Professor [Expert Name]: Several factors are at play. Firstly, Vienna’s housing market is facing
increasing pressure, with long-term rentals becoming scarcer and more expensive.
Studies suggest that [[1]] short-term rentals tend to drive up prices, making it harder for residents to find affordable housing. Secondly, there are concerns about the social impact of increased tourist activity in residential areas. Some residents feel their neighborhoods are being transformed into temporary hotel zones,leading to noise,overcrowding,and a decline in community cohesion.
Time.news Editor: Is this new regulation a cause for concern for the tourism industry?
Professor [Expert Name]: That’s a valid question.Its likely to have some impact. However,
it’s significant to note that [[2]] Vienna remains a popular destination, and the regulations are designed to ensure a balance between tourism and the well-being of residents. The restriction might encourage landlords and hosts to look for alternative long-term rental options, thus, perhaps alleviating some pressure on the housing market.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for offering such valuable insights, Professor. This new regulation is
clearly a response to complex and pressing issues facing Vienna. It will be interesting to see how it
plays out in the coming months and years.
Professor [Expert Name]: It’s a constantly evolving situation,and I expect further
discussions and potential modifications to the regulations as the city gathers more
data and evaluates the impact.
