International local government news 10.09.24

Here are the latest newsworthy and interesting stories from the local government sector that caught our attention. In this round-up of what’s happening right now in the world of local government, you’ll find best practices, inspiration, and more from across the sector.

NETHERLANDS: Dutch council launches debt cancellation experiment for 40 poor families
The Dutch City of Arnhem has launched a new experiment which would see the debt of 40 to 60 of its poorest local families cancelled. In April, the two year trial was launched, seeing all of the participating families’ debt taken over by the city. The city is hoping to inspire beneficiaries to move their economic standing upwards while reducing the additional costs for wider society that can stem from spirally debts. The city stressed that the experiment will not cost the taxpayer, with the scheme’s 700,000 euro budget accumulated through charities. Surprisingly, only 10 families have signed up so far for the trial.
The Mayor

CROATIA: Dubrovnik aims to curb taxis by more than 90%
With chronic traffic congestion plaguing key streets in its historic Old Town, the City of Dubrovnik has launched a special traffic control zone. The zone aims to cut down on heavy congestion in the famous city region, primarily by cutting down on taxis. Mayor Mato Franković said “at present, we have 9,000 taxi vehicles, but the goal is to reduce this number to 700 by 1 March”. Local authorities believe it is the first control zone of its kind in Croatia, based upon a predetermined quota. Local cab companies are expected to hold the largest share of this quota, with only 100 spots left for ride-hailing cars.
The Mayor

AUSTRALIA: New blue-green algae solution trialled by NSW council
In a bid to improve lake water quality, Griffith City Council has launched a new treatment trial. The council has launched an 18-month treatment trial based around the use of Diatomic, an environmentally sustainable treatment designed to improve ecosystem health and reduce blue-green algae. The treatment is hoped not only to improve water quality, but act as a food source for all kinds of fauna, from insects, fish, crustacea and birds.
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