EUROPA – Moving Europe, shaping Münster
For a strong, open European civil society and intensive city partnerships, Volt calls for:
- Erasmus for workers to promote the ongoing exchange of new ideas, know-how, and successful projects between Münster and its partner cities.
- Promoting exchange between associations through closer cooperation with our partner cities, establishing contacts, and providing space for workshops and training sessions.
- the establishment of a joint mobility platform with Dutch cities, e.g., cross-border car-sharing offers or a joint bicycle axis.
- the expansion of the Welcome Desk into a multilingual, comprehensive contact point, supplemented by a volunteer sponsorship network.
ECONOMY, DIGITALISATION – Strong economy, efficient administration
For a powerful, innovative and green economy in Münster, Volt calls for:
- promoting Münster as a location for innovation in green technology by pooling innovation funds, mentoring and modern workplaces in innovation centres and strengthening exchanges with partner cities and regional networks.
- stronger promotion of a vibrant start-up culture e.g. by offering more flexible rental agreements.
- the promotion of Münster as a “battery city” through municipal investment in battery storage, the promotion of innovative solutions, and citizen participation in energy projects. – as in Tangermünde.
- administrative services that are secure and accessible online at all times – as in Tallinn.
- a central, secure data platform with uniform interfaces for cross-agency use of municipal data – as in Amsterdam.
- more open source and european software, strong data protection – as in Barcelona.
HOUSING – Home instead of campsite
For more affordable, livable housing, Volt calls for:
- a four-digit number of new apartments with a focus on urban social housing – as in Vienna.
- preferential allocation of urban land to public welfare-oriented cooperatives, e.g., through models such as leasehold – for falling rents, as in Zurich.
- modern forms of living such as multi-generational houses, “living in exchange for help” or “tiny houses.”
- a new, socio-ecological district.
- a obligation for landlords to provide information on rents and vacancies and a vacancy tax – as in Landau.
- livable, barrier-free neighborhoods with little to no through traffic (exceptions for loading and unloading, for tradespeople, caregivers, etc.), more green space, and more room to move around – like the “superblocks” in Barcelona.
- affordable housing for trainees through city-supported housing models, comparable to student services – as in Hamburg.
EDUCATION – Diverse, social, inclusive
To ensure the best opportunities for young and old alike, Volt calls for:
- Master Plan Education 2035 – educational planning from daycare to “studying in old age”.
- Recruitment of educational specialists to ensure available daycare places.
- “Owl- and lark-classes” for a more flexible start to school and greater learning success.
- A municipal skilled labor strategy to enhance the status of skilled trades and vocational training.
- Münster’s universities as a driver of innovation for a strong science location and a European education campus that connects across borders.
PARTICIPATION – Even for those who are often overlooked
To protect marginalized groups, Volt calls for:
- ombudsman offices with support staff, for example when dealing with authorities.
- a municipal advisory commission and a municipal right of residence program – as in Cologne.
- more language courses for everyone – regardless of residence status.
- an integration initiative: strengthening older migrants and self-organisations.
- greater support for immigrant children attending daycare and school.
- more prevention programmes for addiction, sexual violence and mental health.
CULTURE and SPORT – Space for art, space for people
To make cultural offerings more inclusive and accessible, Volt calls for:
- a barrier-free, intercultural “House of Cultures” as a meeting place and space.
- a “pay what you want” model – everyone pays as much as they want in museums.
- fitness trails and public fitness facilities: For more opportunities in urban areas.
- more support and recognition for volunteer work as the foundation of society.
MOBILITY – Ensuring Münster does not miss the boat
To enable safe, barrier-free, and fast transportation within the city, Volt calls for:
- safe footpaths with more crosswalks, benches, greenery and a clear separation between pedestrian, bicycle and car traffic.
- car-free sidewalks, thanks to modern mobility stations, combined park-and-ride tickets, and underground neighborhood garages with electric charging stations, car-sharing and bicycle stations.
- “green waves” for bicycle paths.
- a continuous network of bicycle lanes free of car traffic.
- a bus system with additional, barrier-free hubs (Neutor, Antoniuskirche and Hbf) with short intervals. In the short term, metrobus lines are needed. In the long term, a light rail system must be introduced – as in Freiburg or Karlsruhe.
- the 15-minute city: All important facilities – housing, shopping, education, health, and recreation – should be within walking distance and reachable within 15 minutes – as in Oxford.
CLIMATE NEUTRALITY – For the future of our children
To ensure that Münster contributes to climate neutrality, Volt calls for:
- consistent municipal heating planning that converts neighborhoods to climate-friendly heat sources such as geothermal energy, district heating and heat pumps.
- a comprehensive solar power initiative on the roofs of public buildings, commercial properties and residential buildings.
- targeted energy-efficient renovation of municipal buildings – with a focus on passive house standards.
- additional wind power areas – even beyond the 2% target.
To ensure that Münster preserves our quality of life, Volt calls for:
- sponge city measures such as rainwater gardens, sinks, and planted wetlands – as exemplified by Copenhagen and the Ruhr region.
- the consistent greening of roofs and facades for cooling, insulation and promoting biodiversity.
- the preservation of fresh air corridors that channel cool air into the city center.
- public drinking water fountains for health protection – following the example of Cádiz.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY – Conserving resources, securing the future
In order to strengthen socially just and ecologically sustainable urban development, Volt calls for:
- the city to provide space free of charge for swap meets in order to reduce textile waste and raise awareness of sustainable consumption.
- a packaging tax on single-use packaging in the catering industry to promote sustainable reusable options – as in Tübingen.
- edible food to be collected, processed where possible and distributed e.g. to schools or food banks – as in Marseille.
- sustainable municipal procurement. Durability, reparability, low pollutant content and recyclability are prioritized – as in the Rhineland Regional Council.
AGRICULTURE – Fair for Münster’s farms, healthy for everyone
To strengthen agriculture, Volt calls for:
- new municipal regulations and contracts to be valid for at least five years in order to give farmers planning security.
- lease agreements to be linked to criteria such as soil protection, humus formation, and biodiversity in the future – as in Freiburg and Hanover.
- an app that connects farmers, bulk buyers and consumers, thereby contributing to reliable sales and creating planning security – as in the Fichtelgebirge.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION – Getting involved is encouraged
To strengthen citizen participation, Volt calls for:
- a competition in which citizens can submit proposals for unsealing. The best projects will be implemented.
- the expansion of digital participation opportunities and citizens‘ initiatives.
- the right to submit motions and vote for the youth council and senior citizens‘ representation and the establishment of a women’s council with the same rights.
- more budget and more visibility for district representatives.
- the expansion of real-world laboratories for networking urban society, business and science (Open Innovation City) – as with the Innovation GYM and OIC Campus in Bielefeld.
