Brno, June 6 (BD) – “This time, we are going to do it differently,” says Deputy Mayors of the City Brno, Jaroslav Kacer. He refers to the new State of the City Report 2017 available on www.brno2050.cz (only in Czech). The Report is an informative part of a broader initiative The City of Brno Strategic Plan 2050, and it should provide information for citizens to be capable to have a say in decision-making process on the city’s future.
Too Few Flights, Too Many Cars, More Bike Paths
State of the City Report 2017 is divided according to topics to three major parts: Resources of the city, Administration, and Quality of life. One of the perceived negatives is a global availability of Brno. Although it has a strategic position, the trail connection with Prague and highway connection to Vienna are real head-scratches. They are often identified as key economic problems of Brno.
The Airport Brno – Turany’s potential is allegedly 5-times higher than in present. Currently, there are only three regular international flights – London, Eindhoven, and Munich. In comparison with 2012, more than 10 000 airplanes take off, yet almost 58% are cargo airlines.
As for public transportation, Brno’s integrated public transport system is one of the best in Europe. Nevertheless, the tram system is at its maximum and alternative systems must be find, maybe even underground one. From 1990 cars on Brno’s roads has doubled, therefore Brno waits for a completion of Large City Circle Road and at the same time it strives to reduce cars by alternative methods such as carsharing, bikesharing, or intense creation of bike paths. Bikes are more and more used and desired among citizens. That is why 39,7 km long bike paths are at one’s disposal in Brno with a great connection to other parts of South Moravian region.
What about water? Water use has been reduced by 20L/person/day since 2000. But the state of sewerage is unsustainable and needs a thorough restoration. Did you know that there is an artesian well underneath Brno which, settled deep in the ground, could provide water supply for more people than Brno even has?
A1** Ratings, Budget Surplus, Smart City and Aging Population
Brno gradually improves its investment ratings which is a good sign for investors. According Moody’s it is A1**. It is a common practice in Brno to have budget surplus, so the revenues are higher than expenditures. Among the expenditures, science and research funding is growing which results partially in Brno as a startup hub. Smart City initiative commits Brno to smart solutions such as e-shop to pay online for city services, mobile applications, or OpenData.
When we look at Brno, we refer to it as student city. But the truth is, the permanent population is aging. Many students and young people do not claim Brno as their permanent residence. Consequently, Brno loses money from taxation and its statistics are inaccurate. In 2017, it is even easier to encounter a foreigner in Brno, since their number has risen from ca. 22 000 in 2010 to ca. 24 000 in 2017.
