Cologne

1. Historical Underground Tunnels: Beneath Cologne lies a network of historical tunnels and catacombs that date back to Roman times. These tunnels were used for various purposes, including storage and transportation, and some are open for guided tours, providing a unique glimpse into the city's past. 2. Cologne's Carnival: While many may know about Cologne's famous Carnival (Karneval), few realize that it is one of the largest street festivals in Europe, attracting over a million visitors each year. The festivities last for several days, featuring parades, costumes, and a vibrant atmosphere that showcases the city's rich cultural heritage. 3. Chocolate Museum: Cologne is home to the Imhoff-Stollwerck Chocolate Museum, which not only offers a delicious experience for chocolate lovers but also provides insights into the history and production of chocolate. Visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process, enjoy tastings, and explore the interactive exhibits that celebrate this sweet treat.

Cologne's housing market is experiencing significant pressure due to high demand and limited supply. The city has approximately 787,000 housing units as of 2023. Renting is more common than ownership, with about 51.5% of residents renting and 42.5% owning their homes. The median rent for new contracts in Cologne is around 13.65 euros per square meter per month, while the median purchase price for apartments is approximately 5,150 euros per square meter. Both rents and purchase prices have been rising, with rents increasing by about 4% over the past year. Social and cooperative housing play an important role in Cologne, but their share has decreased over time. The number of publicly funded social apartments has dropped from over 100,000 in the 1990s to about 40,000 currently. The city directly manages around 3,000 residences for urgent cases. Cologne has been working to increase housing supply, aiming to approve up to 6,000 new apartments annually. However, high land prices and market constraints make it challenging to meet this target. The city is collaborating with private investors to maintain and develop social housing, resulting in one of the highest rates of private investment in social housing in Germany. Despite these efforts, the housing market remains tight, with rising prices and a shortage of affordable units, particularly in the city center.

The city of Cologne is actively addressing housing challenges through various initiatives. The administration has set a goal of approving up to 6,000 apartments per year to meet demand, with a target of regularly approving over 4,000 apartments annually from 2023 onward. To create more affordable and sustainable housing, Cologne has implemented several programs: 1. Social Housing Policy: The city aims to build 1,000 new affordable housing units annually and works closely with the planning department to prioritize socially just land use policies. 2. Municipal Housing Supply: Cologne maintains around 3,000 residences for urgent cases and works with private investors to encourage investment in social housing. 3. Rent Control: The city has implemented rent control measures, with specific rates for different income groups and energy-efficient buildings. 4. SmartCity Cologne Initiative: This program focuses on climate protection, energy efficiency, and innovation, contributing to sustainable urban development. 5. Urban Strategy 2030+: This plan emphasizes diversity in districts, affordable housing, and various living arrangements. It promotes funded residential construction, urban construction companies, and cooperatives. 6. Köln Katalog: This guideline for future-proof urban development aims to direct the city's expansion through efficient and sustainable land use, focusing on high density and quality. These initiatives demonstrate Cologne's commitment to addressing housing affordability and sustainability challenges.

Housing cooperatives play a significant role in Cologne's housing landscape, with several established organizations providing affordable housing options for residents. The city has a long tradition of cooperative housing, dating back to the early 20th century. Cologne's housing cooperatives collectively manage thousands of apartments across various districts, offering members lifelong tenancy rights and democratic participation in decision-making processes. Some notable cooperatives include the Kölner Wohnungsgenossenschaft, founded in 1920, which manages about 2,700 apartments primarily in the city's northern areas, and the Wohnungsgenossenschaft Köln 1896, overseeing more than 2,100 housing units in and around Cologne. The city of Cologne has implemented policies to promote cooperative housing. The "Cooperative Building Land Model" requires developers to allocate 30% of new apartments in certain planning projects to publicly subsidized housing, which can include cooperative models. This policy aims to increase the availability of affordable housing options. Additionally, Cologne's municipal government has shown support for initiatives that promote community-oriented and affordable housing solutions. For instance, local cooperatives have proposed a "Municipal Housing Support Program for Public-Welfare Cooperatives and Projects" to the city council, seeking additional municipal support to complement existing state-level housing promotion efforts. While specific lighthouse projects were not mentioned in the provided information, the city's ongoing support for cooperative housing models suggests a commitment to fostering diverse and affordable housing options for its residents.