All agenda items

The City of Stockholm will respond to the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning's report on introducing a national standard for classifying cases under the Planning and Building Act (PBL). The city supports a common, mandatory classification to increase transparency and efficiency in the building permit process but advises against a national case management system due to concerns about information security and municipal self-governance. The state should finance the costs of any new state-imposed requirements.

Jonas Naddebo (C) has proposed that the City of Stockholm introduce a "building permit robot" to automate simpler permit applications, thereby shortening processing times for businesses and private individuals, and also investigate other automatable permit processes. The City Executive Board states that the city is already working on digitalizing and streamlining permit processes. However, the Center Party, Moderates, Liberals, and Christian Democrats have reserved their positions, believing the proposals should be adopted to accelerate this work.

A motion by SD politicians seeks to halt plans for approximately 140 new homes in Klubbensborgsbacken, Mälarhöjden, arguing the proposed development would ruin the area's character, natural values, and access to green spaces. The City Executive Board responded by highlighting the housing shortage and affirming that the project is following a democratic process where all viewpoints will be considered before the City Planning Committee makes a final decision.

The City of Stockholm rejects the proposal for a new organization of property formation activities (SOU 2025:98). The City's administrations, including the City Executive Office, Development Office, and Building and Planning Office, argue that the proposal would likely worsen Stockholm's urban development process and local considerations, and also lead to the probable closure of Stockholm's municipal land surveying office.

Two Liberal politicians, Björn Ljung and André Nilsson, proposed that Stockholm introduce a model allowing construction companies to pay for detailed development plans over time, rather than upfront, to help manage costs during downturns and boost building rates. However, the city rejected the motion, arguing that the current rolling invoicing model already provides transparency and predictability, that plan fees are a minor part of overall project costs, and that the decline in housing construction is primarily due to broader macroeconomic factors, not municipal fees.

Two Sweden Democrats politicians submitted a motion to halt plans for new housing in Långbro Park, Älvsjö, specifically on the Lågbron 1 property, arguing that the proposed construction would damage important park features and that existing café operations and gardens should be preserved. The City Executive Board responded that while the detailed plan for housing has already been cancelled, planning will continue to focus on establishing a public activity, such as a café, at the site.

The City of Stockholm welcomes Trafikverket's proposed changes to the classification of areas vital for transport as national interests, though it criticizes the lack of early involvement in the process. The city emphasizes the need to ensure these national interests do not impede the development of new housing and workplaces, particularly in areas like Norra Djurgårdsstaden and around Bromma Airport. Furthermore, Stockholm seeks to review and potentially reduce national interest designations in Frihamnen and at Masthamnen/Stadsgården to facilitate urban development.

The City Executive Board has approved its activity report and financial statements for 2025, which show a financial surplus of SEK 99.5 million, primarily due to lower costs for politicians and vacant positions. Additionally, SEK 94.6 million has been re-budgeted for district and party offices' operations in 2026, and SEK 93.8 million has been approved for IT development and preparedness measures. However, the Liberals and Centre Party criticize the report for not fully reflecting real challenges in schools, social services, security, and housing construction.

Two SD politicians proposed making the Rålambshov Park amphitheater a safer, year-round meeting place, suggesting a café, dance stage, and ice rink. The city responded that they are already working on activating and securing the area by clearing bushes, renovating the stands, establishing a dance floor, and creating a winter ice rink. They believe the amphitheater is good for events but requires interest from external actors to establish more permanent operations like cafés.

The City of Stockholm is reviewing its 2026 budget and goals to ensure all committees' and companies' plans align with the City Council's overarching objectives. This check aims to confirm ambitious enough targets are set, especially for welfare, safety, and climate transition, despite economic challenges and reduced government grants.

The Centre Party proposed that Stockholm explore becoming a test city for self-driving cars, in collaboration with Waymo, to study the technology's potential and risks regarding safety, climate benefits, and congestion. However, the City Executive Board, Traffic Committee, and several district committees are against this, citing that the city already monitors developments internationally and lacks Swedish legislation. They prefer to await further authority investigations before initiating new pilot projects, especially since a similar application from Tesla was recently rejected due to infrastructure strain and public safety concerns.

The City of Stockholm is to respond to the Ministry of Justice's proposal to tighten maintenance requirements for family reunification. The City Executive Office advises against the new proposals, arguing they risk counteracting integration, causing more suffering for newcomers and their children, and increasing the need for social services. The Moderates and Sweden Democrats dissent, advocating for the city to approve the proposals to strengthen self-sufficiency and reduce exclusion.

Hanna Wistrand (L) proposed that Stockholm investigate building a multi-track for skiing, cycling, and parasports to create an accessible year-round training environment, especially for children, youth, para-athletes, and Vasaloppet participants. The City Executive Board acknowledges the great need for more sports facilities and notes that the Sports Department is already in dialogue with the Stockholm Ski Association regarding such a track, aligning with existing mandates to increase sports facilities. Therefore, the motion is considered addressed, meaning no new investigation is needed as the ongoing work will continue.

The Liberals, through Hanna Wistrand, propose that the City of Stockholm introduce special support for sports clubs affected by closed facilities during renovations, along with a long-term plan to increase access to sports facilities through temporary structures or subsidies for private ones. However, the city deems existing support and evacuation solutions sufficient, citing difficulties in fair distribution, ongoing work to strengthen club support, and an existing, updated strategy for sports facilities.

André Nilsson (L) proposed that the city investigate creating an artificial surf wave in Slussen to boost recreation, tourism, and activity in the city center. While previous studies confirmed technical feasibility, further investigations into safety, environmental impact, and economics were deemed necessary, as the wave must not disrupt Slussen's vital water regulation and boat traffic functions. The Municipal Board ultimately rejected advancing with a new investigation, citing these uncertainties and the need for more funding, despite acknowledging the inherent appeal of the idea.

This status report details Stockholm Vatten AB’s major project, "Stockholm’s Future Wastewater Treatment" (SFA), which aims to upgrade and expand Stockholm's wastewater treatment. The project, which includes closing the Bromma treatment plant and doubling the capacity of the Henriksdal plant, is on schedule and within budget, expected to be fully completed by 2031. It will manage wastewater for approximately 1.6 million people and meet stricter environmental requirements.

The City of Stockholm has been asked by the Ministry of Finance to comment on the Swedish Competition Authority's proposals to amend public procurement rules, aiming to make it easier for authorities to reject abnormally low or unserious bids. The City supports several proposals but rejects two: a "guideline rule" for identifying abnormally low bids and the proposal to make it mandatory to always reject such bids in certain procurements. This decision concerns formally responding to the referral based on the City's position.

Stockholm's City Executive Board has issued a statement regarding the Energy Markets Inspectorate's proposal for new gas market regulations. This proposal would replace current natural gas legislation with a new gas market act and ordinance, also covering biogas and hydrogen, to facilitate the transition to renewable and low-carbon gases. The City of Stockholm views this positively, as it supports the city's goal of being climate positive by 2030 and aligns with EU climate targets for 2050.

Two Center Party politicians proposed that the City of Stockholm freeze-dry leftover food from schools and elderly care homes to reduce waste and bolster crisis preparedness. They sought an investigation into implementing this city-wide, a pilot project in some schools, and the establishment of a municipal emergency stock of freeze-dried food. The City Executive Board responded that active work is already underway to reduce food waste and build food emergency stocks in schools and other operations, thus seeing no need for further investigations or pilot projects, partly due to the high investment costs of freeze-drying equipment.

The Elderly Care Committee has reported several decisions made by managers within the administration. Among other things, contracts have been terminated with the care provider Guldhjärtat Omsorg och Rehabilitering AB, and an ordering freeze has been implemented. Furthermore, Birgittas hemtjänst AB's application to provide home care services in the City of Stockholm has been denied, a decision that has now been appealed to the administrative court. A new contract has also been approved for a care provider under LOV (the Choice of Care System Act).