Chance in Oberhausen: Potential for Opportunity in This City
In a recent development, Stefan Zimkeit, the SPD mayoral candidate of Oberhausen, has expressed concerns about the potential misuse of a €500 billion special fund by the black-green state government. Zimkeit, a finance expert, suggests that the state should prioritize passing on investment funds to cities to avoid plugging budget holes and to ensure that regions with the greatest needs benefit.
Thorsten Berg, another SPD candidate and mayoral contender in Oberhausen, shares similar sentiments. Both candidates believe it's crucial for the state to pass on most of its share of investment funds to cities, with at least 80% being allocated.
The investment funds, if distributed effectively, could be a significant opportunity for Oberhausen, according to Thorsten Berg. Zimkeit proposes that municipal housing associations and cooperatives, along with regional investment companies, should be the main beneficiaries of the investment funds. He emphasizes the need for new apartments to be built and existing apartments to be bought and renovated.
The focus of these investments, as advocated by both candidates, would be on addressing the city's infrastructure needs, supporting economic growth, improving social services, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing public safety. Zimkeit, in particular, suggests prioritizing investments in education, rail and road, housing, and climate protection in North Rhine-Westphalia.
However, there is a concern that the black-green state government might not distribute the funds equitably, favoring wealthier cities and districts over those in greater need. Both candidates demand that the distribution of funds should be based on the needs of the cities, ensuring that the regions that need the funds most will benefit.
In the absence of specific details about their proposals, these categories provide a general understanding of where such large special funds are often directed. By focusing on these areas, the candidates aim to revitalize Oberhausen and address its pressing needs, contributing to a better quality of life for its residents.
The SPD mayoral candidates in Oberhausen, Stefan Zimkeit and Thorsten Berg, are advocating for the state to allocate a significant portion of the €500 billion special fund to cities, with at least 80% being allocated. Zimkeit suggests that municipal housing associations, cooperatives, and regional investment companies should be the main recipients of the investment funds, with a focus on building new apartments, buying and renovating existing ones, and addressing infrastructure needs, supporting economic growth, improving social services, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing public safety. Both candidates emphasize the importance of ensuring equitable distribution of the funds, as they worry that the black-green state government might favor wealthier cities and districts over those in greater need.
