International local government news 30.07.24

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.

SWITZERLAND: Suburb bans commercial advertising
Vernier, a town close to Geneva with a population of 38,000, has become the first local government in the country to ban commercial advertising, such as billboards, from its streets. The town is in the process of remove more than 3 quarters of its 172 billboards, with the remaining ones left for culture and sport advertising. The move, which eventually was contested in the Supreme Court, is reportedly set to act as a blueprint for bans in larger cities across the country. 
Bloomberg

PORTUGAL: Tuk tuks set to be curbed in Porto’s historic quarter
The City of Porto is set to limit the number of tuk tuks operating in its jurisdiction. From 2026 onwards, mayor Rui Moreira announced that just 40 of the estimated 100 motorised rickshaws will be allowed in the city’s historic quarter. What’s more, the mayor also is set to limit the number of hop-on-hop-off tour busses in circulation to just two, while the local tourist train, which has faced backlash from residents for slowly running through the streets, will also not have its licence renewed.
Diário de Notícias

SPAIN: Catalonia announces mobile banking service to visit villages
Authorities in Catalonia have announced a different approach to mobile banking will be making its way to small and remote communities. Specially equipped vans will visit villages in the region once a month to allow residents to receive in-person banking services.  503 communities will benefit from the new service, and the Catalan Government is aiming to reach 100% of the region’s population before the end of the year.
The Mayor

GERMANY: The city renting out reusable tableware across the country
The waste management service of the City of Konstanz is set to roll out free reusable tableware, cups and cutlery to private clubs and parties across the country, in a bid to embed waste reduction and sustainability in local festivities. The scheme is based on the nationwide Recup scheme, in which reusable tableware is provided for state and municipal events. The city is only asking interested parties for a small contribution to the costs for each event catered.
The Mayor

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