VISION 2020 ESBJERG MUNICIPALITY

Transcription

1 VISION 2020 ESBJERG MUNICIPALITY

2 2020 Vision Esbjerg Municipality INDHOLD FOREWORD FROM THE MAYOR.... PAGE 3 ESBJERG: DENMARK S NEW GROWTH CENTRE - 120,000 RESIDENTS IN PAGE 4 ENERGY METROPOLIS AND GROWTH CENTRE.... PAGE 8 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE... PAGE 10 BIG CITY QUALITIES AND LIVELY LOCAL COMMUNITY... PAGE 12 DIGITALISATION AND WELFARE TECHNOLOGY.... PAGE 14 EDUCATION AND ATTRACTIVE JOBS.... PAGE 16 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.... PAGE 18 INTERNATIONLIZATION.... PAGE 20 KLIMA OG BÆREDYGTIGHED... PAGE 22 I.C. Møller Park in Esbjerg 2 VISION 2020

3 Foreword from the Mayor The Municipality of Esbjerg is preparing for the opportunities and challenges of the future, and therefore the City Council has developed this vision, which gives an overall picture of the municipality that we, together with the residents of Esbjerg, wish to create over the coming years Our vision is: ESBJERG: DENMARK S NEW GROWTH CENTRE - 120,000 RESIDENTS IN 2020 In other words, we must reach a population growth of approximately 1,000 residents per year as we head towards Therefore, we must focus on attracting new people and jobs, but it is also a top priority to maintain and further develop our municipality for the benefit of both future residents and those of us who live here already. A growth centre, in my view, is a combination of a commercial and cultural centre where it is attractive to live and work. The Municipality of Esbjerg is Denmark s Energy Metropolis and functions as one of the country s growth centres. Commercially, our growth centre is highly related to energy and offshore activities, but this also creates expansion in other sectors. Esbjerg Municipality is unique because within an hour from here you can reach big city life, the country s best beaches, a historical city, the Wadden Sea National Park and other attractive natural areas. In addition, the Municipality of Esbjerg offers all levels of education, has a high level of municipal services, and collectively, everyone has the opportunity to have an impact through participation. In many ways the Municipality of Esbjerg already lives up to its ambition to be a commercial and cultural growth centre, and therefore it is also a part of the vision that our status be known nationally and internationally. Johnny Søtrup Mayor Adopted by Esbjerg City Council in October 2014 ESBJERG KOMMUNE 3

4 Esbjerg: Denmark s new growth centre - 120,000 residents in 2020 A growth centre for both residents and businesses In Denmark s Energy Metropolis, family and career must go hand in hand, and we will be a growth centre for both residents and businesses. Therefore, we have a strategy for how we reach this goal from both the resident and business community perspective. Value in everyday life To be a resident means to live in or in the vicinity of the growth centre, and that you live in an area which is attractive because of education and employment opportunities, culture and nature, leisure activities and city life. In short, it means having everything within reach. The executive vision The 2020 Vision and Growth Strategy 2020 share the goal that the municipality both functions as and is acknowledged as a growth centre. The Municipality of Esbjerg s 2020 Vision defines the overarching framework with residents as the central element, and on the commercial side, the Growth Strategy 2020 specifies the business-related action areas which make us a growth centre. Therefore, in each of the 2020 Vision s eight action areas, there are underlying strategies, policies and concrete plans that expand on what must be done to reach the goal. We need each other Together we must further develop our municipality so that it is also an attractive place to live and work in the future. The keyword is community. When the municipality and residents are bound in partnership with shared goals and shared responsibilities, we can future-proof the municipality. In partnership we can expand our role as a growth centre and a cultural centre, attract more residents and gain opportunities to express ourselves within the areas of culture, education, sport, leisure and nature. Kitesurfer near Esbjerg Harbour 4 VISION 2020

5 ENERGY METROPOLIS AND GROWTH CENTRE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE BIG CITY QUALITIES AND LIVELY LOCAL COMMUNITY DIGITALISATION AND WELFARE TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AND ATTRACTIVE JOBS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONLIZATION CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY ESBJERG KOMMUNE 5

6 Esbjerg: Denmark s new growth centre - 120,000 residents in 2020 Over the coming years, we will set particular focus on these strategic action areas: ENERGY METROPOLIS AND GROWTH CENTRE - Status as Energy Metropolis is incorporated and expanded We commit to be the Energy Metropolis, and we live up to this responsibility and make it relevant to everyone in the municipality. Energy must be incorporated in areas such as city development, public events, education and climate considerations. We are already a growth centre in practice, and we must be classified and recognized as such both nationally and internationally. BIG CITY QUALITIES AND LIVELY LOCAL COMMUNITY - We have something for every taste and attract new residents We increase population by further developing cultural life, making our unique nature accessible, future-proofing infrastructure and offering attractive housing options of all sizes in the cities. We look for solutions that are tailored to the modern families needs. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE - Together we create a new-thinking municipality where everyone is involved and takes responsibility In the Municipality of Esbjerg, there is a place for everyone and a role for everyone. As a municipality we create the framework for a good life and residents take responsibility. Health throughout all stages of life is a top priority. Everyone contributes to the community to their ability, and naturally, we help those who cannot help themselves. We ensure optimal conditions for local democracy, volunteerism and participation, which both provide quality and quality of life. DIGITALISATION AND WELFARE TECHNOLOGY - We future-proof our welfare We take advantage of all existing technological opportunities and contribute to the development of new solutions within the areas of health promotion and welfare technology. We wish to create an innovative environment where skilled entrepreneurs develop the future solutions. Furthermore, it is our goal that the residents of Esbjerg Municipality become the best and most secure digital users, and that fast fibre optic internet is available to everyone. 6 VISION 2020

7 EDUCATION AND ATTRACTIVE JOBS - We create the frameworks to increase education levels and create jobs Our comprehensive approach ensures good frameworks for lifelong learning and we are committed to creating a smooth transition from childcare to elementary school and from student life to work life. We increase the number of tertiary students in higher education by ensuring optimal frameworks, increased visibility and focus on sought after competencies. INTERNATIONLIZATION - We place Esbjerg on the world map and create an attractive international environment The entire municipality s thought process has an international focus, and our outlook and global collaboration affects residents of all ages. In a growth centre, internationalization is a must so we communicate in English, and in Esbjerg we create an international environment that makes the entire municipality even more diverse and attractive. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - We expand collaboration with other municipalities and international partners to create good conditions for growth We are the driving force in the constructive collaboration with our neighbouring municipalities with shared interests in, for example, business services, tourism, recruiting, city planning and infrastructure. Moreover, we strengthen our international business focus. CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY - We are a green municipality in both what we say and what we do As the Energy Metropolis, we will adapt our community and output according to the principles of sustainability, and the Municipality of Esbjerg takes the lead with good examples in relation to the rest of Denmark. We prepare ourselves for the realities of climate change: we reduce CO2 emissions, we apply intelligent energy management, and we ensure the transition to green energy sources, such as wind and solar energy. Each action area is detailed further in the following pages. ESBJERG KOMMUNE 7

8 ENERGY METROPOLIS AND GROWTH CENTRE - STATUS AS ENERGY METROPOLIS IS INCORPORATED AND EXPANDED We commit to be the Energy Metropolis, and we live up to this responsibility and make it relevant to everyone in the municipality. Energy must be incorporated in areas such as city development, public events, education and climate considerations. We are already a growth centre in practice, and we must be classified and recognized as such both nationally and internationally. All of the action areas in the 2020 Vision are encompassed under the overarching umbrella of Energy Metropolis. We incorporate Energy Metropolis into a wide range of projects and internal processes. Through these activities, such as capital projects, it will gradually become more apparent in the city s image that you find yourself in the Energy Metropolis. We expand collaboration with fellow energy cities throughout the world, and we create a niche for Esbjerg with conferences and events that focus on energy in both professional and cultural connections. We collaborate closely with Esbjerg Business Development Centre to brand our area in a business context. The municipality promotes the values that are relevant to residents who either live here or would like to move here. We work specifically with municipal branding that ensures a positive and accurate image, and spread the message about the many opportunities for both career and family life. We host large events, and with the invitation to Join the Energy, encourage everyone to be involved in Esbjerg Municipality s positive development as the Energy Metropolis and growth centre. Calgary St. John s Houston Halifax Villahermosa San Fernando Stavanger Aberdeen Esbjerg Atyrau Tomsk Daqing Karamay Dongying Rio de Janeiro Port Harcourt Malabo Luanda Dammam Doha Esbjerg and the other members of World Energy Cities Partnership 8 Perth

9 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE - TOGETHER WE CREATE A NEW-THINKING MUNICIPALITY, WHERE EVERYONE IS INVOLVED AND TAKES RESPONSIBILITY Wadden Sea Festival In the Municipality of Esbjerg, there is a place for everyone and a role for everyone. As a municipality we create the framework for a good life and residents take responsibility. Health throughout all stages of life is a top priority. Everyone contributes to the community to their ability, and naturally, we help those who cannot help themselves. We ensure optimal conditions for local democracy, volunteerism and participation, which both provide quality and quality of life. One of the key terms is civic engagement, which we define as co-creation, co-determination and engagement in relevant communities. It pertains to both volunteering and general care for each other. We create optimal conditions for voluntary community service that creates quality of life for the residents and is a valuable addition to the established municipal services. In the area of health, we make an active effort towards prevention, minimising known risk factors and contributing to the gain of more knowledge through research. All residents must have the best opportunities to manage their own health. Different needs occur throughout life and we create a coherent and flexible transition amongst what we offer. Residents are co-owners of the municipality, and we provide the opportunity to make use of this co-ownership for the benefit of us all. Large events, for example, can only be executed in conjunction with engaged residents, where the municipality in return responds with good organisation and acknowledgment. Heerups Garden in Esbjerg ESBJERG KOMMUNE 9

10 BIG CITY QUALITIES AND LIVELY LOCAL COMMUNITY - WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERY TASTE AND ATTRACT NEW RESIDENTS We increase population by further developing cultural life, making our unique nature accessible, future-proofing infrastructure and offering attractive housing options of all sizes in the cities. We look for solutions that are tailored to the modern families needs. Vognsbøl Park in Esbjerg We are unique because so many recreational opportunities can be reached within a short distance. Beach, harbour, national park, big city, historic market towns and shopping areas can be reached within 30 to 60 minutes, and these qualities must be made visible. We focus on good infrastructure and connectivity in public transport, and ensure accessibility throughout the municipality. With good bus connections, continuous bike paths, and local rail networks which are served every 20 minutes, we make it easy, fast and safe to cycle, drive or take public transport. In addition, we place focus on the development of Esbjerg Airport as well as good access to Billund Airport. Our focus on development of local communities supports the municipality s diversity, and the leisure opportunities that can be found in many of the small communities are amongst those which would often only be experienced in larger cities. We support the municipality s rich association life and strengthen sports on amateur and elite levels, so that cultural and natural experiences are accessible to everyone across the entire municipality. Esbjerg s profile as an internationally-orientated big city with a broad range of job opportunities is strengthened, and we increase awareness that we are a city with substantial higher education options. We create big city qualities in Esbjerg, which cause a spillover effect on population increases in Ribe, Bramming and the smaller towns. Rundvisning i Ribe 10 VISION 2020

11 DIGITALISATION AND WELFARE TECHNOLOGY - WE FUTURE-PROOF OUR WELFARE ipads in all the municipality s childcane centres We take advantage of all existing technological opportunities and contribute to the development of new solutions within the areas of health promotion and welfare technology. We wish to create an innovative environment where skilled entrepreneurs develop the future solutions. Furthermore, it is our goal that the residents of Esbjerg Municipality become the best and most secure digital users, and that fast fibre optic internet is available to everyone. In the municipal districts, we invest in the technology which optimises workflows and gives residents the opportunity to assist themselves. Effective digital management makes it easier to find relevant information, knowledge share and cross collaborate. We always take into account the users needs when we digitalise, and as a municipality we take part in getting digitalisation into the community debate. Residents demand high speed internet, and we will ensure that everyone has access to fast fibre optic internet, which contributes to ensuring equality between city and rural areas. We will raise the digital level across the entire municipality and take advantage of the fibre optic internet to give residents the best service possible. We will maintain the position as one of the leaders in research, development and experimentation with the application of welfare technology. We manage and further develop good collaboration where residents experience the benefit of new solutions and contribute to further development with their feedback. Digital rehabilitation ESBJERG KOMMUNE 11

12 EDUCATION AND ATTRACTIVE JOBS - WE CREATE THE FRAMEWORKS TO INCREASE EDUCATION LEVELS AND CREATE JOBS Our comprehensive approach ensures good frameworks for lifelong learning and we are committed to creating a smooth transition from childcare to elementary school and from student life to work life. We increase the number of tertiary students in higher education by ensuring optimal frameworks, increased visibility and focus on sought after competencies. Drilling rig renovation in Esbjerg Harbour Our education profile strengthens further, and we will spread the message that Esbjerg is a major city for higher education that attracts both Danish and international students. We will ensure high quality education on all levels. As the Energy Metropolis, we have special focus on the areas of natural science, which is felt from kindergarten to university level. The number of unskilled workers must markedly decrease, and it is a specific action area to prevent long-term unemployment amongst the municipality s young residents. In addition, we increase employment through retraining and post-education opportunities. We target the provision of education on offer so that the business sector can find the sought after skilled labour that they require, and therefore we can ensure employment for the newly educated. Together with educational institutions and the business sector, we wish to guarantee student jobs that increase the chances for subsequent employment. We expand collaboration particularly with our sister cities of Aberdeen and Stavanger, so that our students reap the benefits of our international focus as the Energy Metropolis. Syddansk University Esbjerg 12 VISION 2020

13 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - WE EXPAND COLLABORATION WITH OTHER MUNICI- PALITIES AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS TO CREATE GOOD CONDITIONS FOR GROWTH We are the driving force in the constructive collaboration with our neighbouring municipalities with shared interests in, for example, business services, tourism, recruiting, city planning and infrastructure. Moreover, we strengthen our international business focus. Our growth centre has a solid basis in offshore and energy with a wide range of support businesses, and we will attract manpower and companies from the around world, for example, by taking advantage of our membership in the World Energy Cities Partnership, which unites the world s elite energy sector. We expand the close interplay between municipality and business, and we enter into a running dialog with the many players in order to keep us updated on what they require. This includes, for example, expanding the municipality s good transportation connections while taking into account the business sector s needs. Our focus on infrastructure also pertains to constant further development of the digital highway, which operates to the satisfaction of private residents and the business sector. In the area of tourism, we broaden collaboration without the limitations of country or municipal boarders in order to create exciting experiences for residents and tourists. We protect our unique natural and historical areas, and at the same time, we ensure that we are marketed and accessible to everyone. Our businesses and industries hold attraction for tourists and we ensure a close partnership between municipality, port, tourist centre and business sector, which takes advantages of these opportunities. Port of Esbjerg ESBJERG KOMMUNE 13

14 INTERNATIONLIZATION International Day 2014, Main Square in Esbjerg - WE PLACE ESBJERG ON THE WORLD MAP AND CREATE AN ATTRACTIVE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT The entire municipality s thought process has an international focus, and our outlook and global collaboration affects residents of all ages. In a growth centre, internationalization is a must so we communicate in English, and in Esbjerg we create an international environment that makes the entire municipality even more diverse and attractive. As a municipality we take shared responsibility for making it possible for each person to be internationally oriented. We already incorporate the international aspect from kindergarten age, up through the school system and onwards in work life. We collaborate with the educational institutions to integrate language and cultural understanding, and create good opportunities for student exchange. We support the international schools and childcare in our area, and we continually assess that services on offer match the needs. The municipality ensures that all relevant information is also available in English. International and Danish residents must have the same opportunities and introduction to all the municipality s services. Furthermore, we support recruiting by the business sector so that they can employ the international personnel which can ensure that businesses and industries have the necessary competencies. Digital solutions increase globalisation, and we work in partnership with educational institutions across borders in order to give students a greater worldview. The Tall Ships Races VISION 2020

15 CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY Mountain bike trail by Gørding School - WE ARE A GREEN MUNICIPALITY IN BOTH WHAT WE SAY AND WHAT WE DO As the Energy Metropolis, we will adapt our community and output according to the principles of sustainability, and the Municipality of Esbjerg takes the lead with good examples in relation to the rest of Denmark. We prepare ourselves for the realities of climate change: we reduce CO 2 emissions, we apply intelligent energy management, and we ensure the transition to green energy sources, such as wind and solar energy. We will apply sustainable solutions, take energy saving initiatives, conserve the nature around us, and prepare ourselves for future climate changes. We focus on information, knowledge sharing, and participation and shared responsibility. Therefore, we create binding partnerships between municipality and businesses. Along those lines, we include and involve residents when we devise concrete energy saving initiatives. We ensure that children, from a very early age, relate to the environment. In childcare, schools and in association life, special efforts are made so that children and the young are informed and involved in aspects of environment. Måde south of Esbjerg The Municipality of Esbjerg leads by example as a green workplace, and also takes shared responsibility in enabling all residents of the municipality to be green consumers. We put our knowledge about climate and sustainability in to practice, and we wish that our expertise is sought after both within and outside of Denmark. ESBJERG KOMMUNE 15

16 Signs on the pedestrian street, Esbjerg ESBJERG MUNICIPALITY KOMMUNICATION 2015