English: Policy Platform of Framsókn in Múlaþing

Framsókn places emphasis on responsible finances, strong public services, and continued development throughout the municipality. Our goal is to improve residents’ quality of life, strengthen infrastructure, and create balance between urban and rural areas.

Finance and Operations

Framsókn will work toward reducing residential property taxes from 0.45% to 0.40% gradually over the term. At the same time, a review of municipal operations will be undertaken with the aim of increasing efficiency and improving the use of public funds. Systems will be implemented to provide clearer insight into municipal operations and support transparency in administration.

Planning, Housing, and Development

Work on planning matters throughout the municipality will continue in a focused and systematic manner. Zoning plan for the southern area of Egilsstaðir will be completed, amendments to the downtown zoning plan for Egilsstaðir finalized, and building plots allocated. Zoning plan work will also be undertaken for the town center of Djúpivogur, and possibilities for residential zoning in Fellabær will be explored.

It will be ensured that a diverse range of plots for residential, commercial, and service activities are always available in all population centers. The zoning of industrial and business areas at Miðás and Brúnás in Egilsstaðir will be reviewed, and possible land purchases for future expansion examined.

In housing matters, work will continue on the sale of social housing alongside ongoing cooperation with Bríet and Brák on development projects across the municipality. The Whatne House in Seyðisfjörður will be put up for sale. Constructive dialogue and cooperation will continue in resolving housing issues for the municipality and other service providers in Djúpivogur.

Renovations will be made to the Tjarnarland preschool in Egilsstaðir. At the same time, construction of a preschool in the southern area will be postponed. Extensions to the Bjarkatún preschool in Djúpivogur will be completed, construction of the new Seyðisfjörður school finalized, and the extension to the Safnahúsið cultural building in Egilsstaðir completed. Renovations will also be undertaken at the municipality’s offices at Lyngás in Egilsstaðir.

The development of sports facilities in Egilsstaðir will be accelerated, and cooperation with Neisti will begin on new changing facilities at Djúpivogur sports field.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Framsókn emphasizes continued infrastructure development. Work will begin on extending Strandabakki in Seyðisfjörður, modifying the small-boat harbor, and improving harbor facilities in Djúpivogur.

The municipality will continue the systematic development of walking and cycling paths and improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the area. Priorities in accessibility matters will be established to continue addressing accessibility challenges.

It is important that HEF veitur (Utilities) continue geothermal exploration in Djúpivogur, Seyðisfjörður, and Borgarfjörður eystri.

Sports and Recreation

Framsókn wants to strengthen sports and recreational activities and believes sports should be a unifying platform for all children, regardless of background.

The recreational grant will be increased by ISK 10,000 during the electoral term in two phases. Work will continue on the “Allir með” (“Everyone Included”) project in cooperation with sports clubs, with special support provided for children living far from organized activities.

The positions of executive directors at Höttur and Neisti sports clubs will be secured, and agreements on sports affairs reviewed to ensure funding is used as effectively as possible. New ways to strengthen sports activities in Seyðisfjörður will also be explored, including organized transportation for children.

Education and Child Welfare

Framsókn emphasizes strong schools and a family-friendly community. Children will continue to be guaranteed preschool placement from 12 months of age, and solutions will be developed that meet the needs of both children and staff. The possibility of a pilot project to better serve shift workers will be explored.

School calendars within the municipality will be coordinated, with alignment sought between preschools and compulsory schools, and possibly also with Menntaskólinn á Egilsstöðum. Work will also continue on integrating school, sports, and recreational activities to improve accessibility for children, especially those living in rural areas.

Framsókn continues to support school choice and emphasizes preserving each school’s unique character, quality teaching, and a learning environment that promotes students’ safety and well-being. These are the conditions that allow our children to achieve their goals, each according to their own abilities. The definition of school districts should be reviewed.

Senior Citizens

Framsókn emphasizes strengthening services for senior citizens. The “Good to Grow Old” initiative will continue, and the position of advisor on senior citizen affairs will be formalized. Compensation will be provided for participation in the senior citizens’ council.

Employment and Community

Diverse employment opportunities are key to a thriving community. Framsókn will advocate for public sector jobs to remain within the municipality and for state services to be located as close to residents as possible. Work will also be done to promote Múlaþing as an attractive location for innovation and business development.

Framsókn emphasizes the establishment of an immigrant council to strengthen immigrant participation in the community, improve communication between residents and the municipality, and promote equality and better services for all.

Culture

During the coming electoral term, emphasis will be placed on supporting the East Iceland Heritage Museum and the District Library in relocating to new premises in Safnahúsið. A permanent home must also be found for the Ríkharður Art Museum, while continued support for the East Iceland Technical Museum will be ensured. Facilities at Sláturhúsið cultural center will be improved, and work will continue to strengthen libraries as vibrant community hubs.

Advocacy and Cooperation with the State

Framsókn will continue strong advocacy on behalf of Múlaþing. Emphasis will be placed on presuring the goverment on putting the Fjarðarheiðargöng project out to tender and ensuring that work on Öxi road improvements begins as soon as possible.

Pressure will be applied to abolish exemptions from property taxes on energy infrastructure, finalize legislation on fish farming, and continue support for the Loftbrú regional flight subsidy program. Framsókn will also defend rural areas against any reduction in electoral equality measures.

At the same time, pressure will be applied for expanded mental health services, with the aim of strengthening staffing and creating real incentives to attract qualified professionals.

Increased funding for the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration will also be sought to improve road maintenance, access roads, and snow clearing services.