Bern Residents to Retain Voice in Public Space Zoning Decisions
The city of Bern is poised to maintain a degree of direct democracy in decisions regarding its 191 publicly owned zones, including areas housing schools, hospitals, parks, and the University of Bern. A recent proposal by the city council to grant the parliament final say over changes to zone usage—without automatic public referendum—has met with resistance, ensuring residents will likely continue to have a direct vote when significant alterations are proposed.
The Debate Over Public Space Control
Currently, any change to the designated purpose of a public zone in Bern triggers a mandatory public vote. The city council suggested streamlining this process, arguing that parliamentary approval should suffice unless a referendum is formally requested. This move aimed to expedite decision-making and reduce administrative delays.
However, this proposal faced opposition, with concerns raised about diminishing public participation. The council ultimately adopted a compromise, stipulating that a public vote will be required if at least one-third of the parliament opposes a proposed change. This ensures that significant dissent within the legislative body automatically triggers a public referendum.
What are Zones for Public Use?
These zones are critical for maintaining essential public services and amenities. They encompass areas dedicated to educational institutions like the University of Bern, healthcare facilities, recreational spaces, cemeteries, community gardens, religious buildings, cultural centers, and energy infrastructure. The revision of these zones involves defining the specific purpose and outlining development and design guidelines for each area.
The Role of the City Council
The city council, Bern’s executive body, is comprised of five members led by the city president, Marieke Kruit. Council members each head one of the city’s five administrative departments: Security, Environment and Energy. Tiefbau, Verkehr und Stadtgrün (Civil Engineering, Transport and Urban Greenery); Education, Social Welfare and Sport; and Finance, Personnel and IT. The council meets weekly at the Erlacherhof in Bern’s Old Town.
Looking Ahead: Mitwirkung and Public Input
The current proposal is undergoing a “Mitwirkung” (consultation) period, allowing residents and stakeholders to provide feedback. The city council’s planning statement will be considered as part of this process. The consultation period closes on February 16th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ZöN?
ZöN stands for Zone für öffentliche Nutzungen, which translates to Zone for Public Use. These are designated areas within the city reserved for public services and amenities.
What happens if the parliament approves a change to a ZöN, but a referendum is triggered?
If enough signatures are collected to trigger a referendum, the decision made by the parliament will be put to a public vote.
Who is responsible for leading the city council meetings?
The city president, currently Marieke Kruit, leads the city council meetings and has the deciding vote in case of a tie.
Source: Stadt Bern
