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Traunstein: Initiative looks optimistically into the future of urban development
On October 26th, 2025, the Traunstein e.V. initiative will look at successes and challenges in urban development and mobility.
Traunstein: Initiative looks optimistically into the future of urban development
The annual general meeting of Initiative Traunstein e.V. took place on October 26, 2025, and the outcome was consistently positive. The members present were able to look back on successful years and at the same time look ahead to future topics such as urban development, housing and mobility. Chairman Georg Osenstätter expressed his satisfaction with the work of the voters' association in the city council and made it clear that the initiative does not want to rest on its previous successes.
“The issue of housing remains our focus,” Osenstätter continued. A large part of the initiative's work is already focused on the establishment of a municipal housing association, which is considered a success. The further development of the city center is also on the agenda, as is strengthening the districts and promoting sustainable mobility. Because, as KfW Development Bank emphasizes, more than half of the world's population now lives in cities, and this trend will continue until 2050. In this context, cities must be designed to be as environmentally friendly and socially balanced as possible in order to deal with challenges such as air pollution, traffic congestion and waste.
Hidden challenges and innovative approaches
But in her opinion, the city of Traunstein also still has unresolved problems, especially when it comes to mobility and the availability of parking spaces in the city center. Osenstätter has recognized this and sees it as urgent to find solutions to further improve and revitalize the city center. Maintaining and strengthening voluntary work are also central political elements that the initiative would like to strengthen in its future work.
New board elections were also held at the annual general meeting. Osenstätter remains as chairman, supported by Johann Wimmer as deputy, while Florian Fraunhofer takes over as treasurer and Dr. Rudi Deckert acts as secretary. New to the board is Sabine Garbarino, who is also running for a city council seat. Osenstätter plans to run again in the upcoming local elections in November in order to set the course for fact-oriented and future-oriented local politics.
A global view of urban development
The challenges that also affect Traunstein are not just local, but global. The New Urban Agenda, which emerged from the UN “Habitat III” conference in 2016, provides an important framework for sustainable urban development. This agenda sets clear requirements in the face of growing urbanization and offers municipalities the opportunity to strengthen their approaches in a sustainable way. According to this agenda, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which also include SDG 11, are intended to create the basis for integrated, socially and environmentally friendly urban development.
At a time when over 80% of global economic output is generated in cities, forward-looking urban planning is essential. KfW Development Bank highlights that the financing needs for climate-adapted and inclusive cities are estimated to be over 65 trillion US dollars by 2030. This shows that the solutions for a sustainable urban future cannot be financed from public funds alone. Innovative concepts and international cooperation are needed to master current and future challenges.
In order to meet the challenges of urbanization and improve the quality of life, it is crucial that cities like Traunstein rethink and adapt their strategies. Because one thing is clear: the future of our cities lies in our hands.