City-wide

This is a notification regarding the minutes from the Council for Disability Issues meeting on January 27, 2026. The meeting discussed the operations of the Culture Administration, including libraries, Kulturskolan, museums, art, Liljevalchs, and events. A key part of the discussion focused on the revision of Stockholm's cultural strategy, where the council emphasized accessibility and inclusivity in culture, especially for people with disabilities.

This report details internal decisions made by the Culture Department and the City Archives during February and March 2026. These decisions include procurement for art project managers, cleaning services, and bus transportation, as well as responses to referrals concerning detailed development plans and building permits in areas like Tensta, Sätra, and Fruängen. The City Archives also made decisions regarding the preservation and disposal of documents from Stockholm Ports and Stockholm Vatten och Avfall.

The opposition parties (Moderaterna, Centerpartiet, and Liberalerna) have questioned the Sports Committee on how swimming times are allocated between municipal swimming schools and private clubs, claiming clubs are disadvantaged. The Sports Administration responded that they aim for a fair and efficient distribution for all Stockholm residents, prioritizing associations that work with children and youth. Allocations for associations in instructional pools increased by 44 percent between 2020 and 2025, while the municipal swimming school's share grew by 6 percent.

The Sports Committee has provided feedback on the City of Stockholm's Action Plan for Children's Rights and Influence up to 2030, which aims to ensure all children have their rights met and can participate in society. While positive, the Committee suggests adding the city's sports, exercise, and outdoor life program as a key example and highlighting a meaningful leisure time for children as a right, not just a service.

The City of Stockholm has adopted an action program to improve water quality in Strömmen. This involves plans to reduce the release of pollutants and environmental toxins from sources such as stormwater, contaminated areas, and boat storage sites. The program aims to both purify the water and enhance the habitat for plants and animals in Strömmen.

The Sports Committee has approved the scholarship committee's proposed recipients for the 2026 youth leader scholarships, chosen from a total of 40 nominations submitted by associations and organizations. These scholarships will be presented in the City Hall this spring to dedicated individuals who passionately engage in children's and youth activities.

The Stockholm Sports Council will procure a new framework agreement for the purchase of sports equipment for the city's sports facilities, as the current agreement expires in July 2026. This ensures that the city's sports facilities, used by residents, will continue to have access to necessary equipment for sports and recreation.

Stockholm's Sports Committee proposes financial support for swimming clubs to offer summer water familiarization and preparatory swimming lessons. This aid targets Stockholm-resident children born between 2018 and 2021, aiming to teach them to swim and feel safe in water. The registration fee per child will be capped at 100 SEK, with clubs receiving a 500 SEK grant per student.

The Moderate Party questioned the Real Estate Department on how material prices, discounts, and bonuses are handled in procurements to ensure optimal use of taxpayer money. The department stated they have procedures to track material costs, but annual turnover discounts, based on a contractor's total purchases, belong to the contractor, not the city. Attempting to reclaim these bonuses would likely increase costs and require significant resources, so the department deems current routines sufficient and will not change them.

The Moderates questioned the Real Estate Department about the maintenance of Stockholm's properties, specifically how they will assess needs, prioritize actions, and improve investment reporting. The department responded that they are implementing a new maintenance planning system by 2026 and developing clearer prioritization principles, adding that distinguishing investment types is challenging but they continuously inform the board of maintenance needs.

The Sweden Democrats have proposed that the City of Stockholm investigate the possibility of using existing properties, such as tunnels and garages, as civil shelters to enhance resident protection during crises or war, as many Stockholmers lack access to such shelters. The Property Department views city-wide collaboration on the matter positively, but believes coordination should be handled by the City Executive Office in cooperation with the Agency for Civil Protection.

The Real Estate Committee has approved a referral response regarding the City of Stockholm's action plan for children's rights and influence up to 2030. The Committee is positive towards the action plan but suggests it be supplemented with areas such as the structure of the city's youth councils, a knowledge base on children's needs in construction and outdoor environments, and how administrations should work to ensure children's access to nature and play in the city.

The City of Stockholm aims to establish a consistent standard for the design and function of preschool premises through a new functional program. This program will streamline planning, construction, and renovation efforts to ensure all facilities are fit-for-purpose, safe, and secure for children and staff alike. The Property Department supports the initiative, anticipating increased efficiency, time savings, cost reductions, and a more equitable standard across all preschools.

The protocol from the Council for Disability Issues, an advisory body, indicates that Dolores Back was elected chairman and Carin Lemberg vice-chairman. The Council also discussed the Real Estate Department's 2026 plans for accessibility in office buildings, shelter upgrades, inventory of LSS housing, and accessibility in nature reserves and sports facilities. The Environment Department is focusing this year on checking allergy information in restaurants and ensuring chemical products in stores have child-proof closures, despite these potentially being difficult for people with disabilities to open.

The City of Stockholm is allocating 77.1 million SEK in 2026 for safety-enhancing measures in public spaces, funding improvements such as lighting, place revitalization, and crime prevention. Forty-six of fifty applications from various committees and districts were approved to increase safety in areas perceived as insecure, especially those identified by police as vulnerable or at risk of becoming open drug scenes.

The Labour Market Committee has approved its monthly report for February 2026, which indicates the committee is expected to stay within budget for the year. Revenues from the National Agency for Education and the Migration Agency for adult education and refugee reception are significantly higher than planned, while unemployment and the number of adults receiving financial assistance in Stockholm have decreased slightly year-on-year.

The City of Stockholm has developed an action plan to secure children's rights, combat discrimination, and promote equal living conditions for children until 2030. The Labour Market Administration supports the plan but suggests improving its structure and language. They also propose a greater focus on racism and disability issues, and that the administration be more clearly designated as responsible for aspects concerning young people's participation in working life, such as through summer jobs.

The City of Stockholm has updated its guidelines for "Stockholmsjobb," temporary employment for individuals distant from the regular labor market, effective 2026. These revisions aim to help residents overcome long-term unemployment, gain experience and skills, and move from welfare to self-sufficiency. The new guidelines clarify the Labor Market Committee's overall responsibility and set frameworks, such as a maximum 24-month duration and a salary compliant with collective agreements.

The City of Stockholm is preparing for a national activity requirement, effective July 1, 2026, for individuals receiving social assistance. The Labor Market Committee is proposed to be responsible for providing activities like job searching, language training, or workplace placements to help residents move closer to employment and self-sufficiency. Those who receive social assistance for at least three months may be required to participate, and refusal without valid reason could result in reduced or denied support.

Stockholm's Labour Market Committee is updating its internal rules for decision-making within the administration to streamline processes. This allows managers to make more decisions independently, reducing the need for full committee meetings, especially concerning financial matters and adult education. These changes are partly linked to a recent reorganization.