Hafnarfjörður's comprehensive strategy for 2035
Vision for 2035
The people are the top priority in Hafnarfjörður, wherever they are on life's journey.
In Hafnarfjörður, emphasis is placed on the well-being of residents and on creating opportunities for current and future generations to lead a good and fulfilling life.
Hafnarfjörður is a self-sufficient community offering an active and healthy lifestyle in a beautiful settlement and unspoilt nature.
In Hafnarfjörður, the individual is respected and everyone's contribution to strengthening and improving the community is valued. Hafnarfjörður is a child-friendly community where children feel safe and have the opportunity to develop their talents through participation in the community.
In Hafnarfjörður, great care is taken of the town's character, historical heritage and unique environment. People come from far and wide to shop and use the services in Hafnarfjörður, and the town has a diverse range of businesses, both large and small. There is a constant effort to meet the diverse demands of a varied community.
Hafnarfjörður's comprehensive strategy for 2035
Hafnarfjörður's overall strategy is built around nine main objectives. Each of these is intended to promote long-term improvements and positive changes, so that the strategy's vision can become a reality. The main objectives are linked to the United Nations' Global Goals, which, along with the core objectives, form the basis for selecting priorities on specific issues for a period of two to three years at a time.
The main objective of Hafnarfjörður
-
Residents' well-being
Hafnarfjörður is a family- and child-friendly community where the well-being of its residents is a priority. Well-being is based on a healthy environment, equality, independence, prevention, and a constructive lifestyle for all age groups. Residents should have opportunities to develop and cultivate their mental and social health.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- Implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child into the governance of the City of Hafnarfjörður.
- To enhance diverse preventative measures to promote the well-being of residents of all ages.
- To promote greater equality among the residents of the municipality.
- Nurturing the well-being of older people.
- Promote good access for residents to healthcare services.
.
-
Exercise and health
Residents have a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities, health promotion and exercise, as well as taking part in various sports and leisure activities. Participation in sports is open to all. You can enjoy the environment and nature, both within the built-up area and in the unspoilt wilderness.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- To promote the health of children and young people through a diverse range of sports and leisure activities within the town.
- To further strengthen Hafnarfjörður as a health-promoting community for people of all ages.
- To protect, enhance and improve access to the town's outdoor gems, green spaces and coastline.
-
A flourishing business community
New ideas and the development of a diverse economy contribute to a vibrant community and increased employment opportunities. There are good conditions for businesses to grow and develop. The town is characterised by industry, commerce and services, as well as innovation, design and craftsmanship.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- Create an environment for innovation and the development of businesses.
- To enhance the environment and facilities for a diverse range of businesses within the Borough of Hafnarfjörður.
- To encourage companies to increase employment opportunities for disabled people.
- To highlight the uniqueness of the shop and its services.
-
Vibrant community
A diverse built environment connects old and new in Hafnarfjörður. Care is taken to preserve historic areas, ecosystems, nature and green spaces. Different neighbourhoods offer a variety of housing, forming one strong community.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- A diverse and secure housing stock meets the different needs and wishes of residents for a place to live.
- To enhance the value and visibility of the historic traditions, distinctiveness and characteristics of neighbourhoods.
- Protect the local environment and promote the restoration and balance of Hafnarfjörður's ecosystem.
- To protect and safeguard nature and resources, guided by sustainability.
- Monitor and preserve cultural heritage through targeted documentation and a conservation policy.
- To foster the ongoing development and unique character of the town centre and harbour area as the heart of the community in Hafnarfjörður.
-
Sustainable community
Hafnarfjörður is a leader in the sustainable use of energy and resources, and residents have the opportunity to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on minimising greenhouse gas emissions, a active circular economy, and sustainable transport. Residents can access shops and services in their local community.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- Encourage companies to prioritise sustainable development in their operations and to transparently share information about sustainability.
- Promote increased freedom of choice for residents in transport.
- Support recycling and waste sorting.
- To promote the accessibility of sustainable energy and to work towards better energy efficiency in the town's institutions and businesses.
- Promote environmentally friendly construction methods.
-
A vibrant cultural life
Cultural activity is the foundation of a flourishing social life and an attraction for domestic and international visitors. By supporting an ambitious arts scene, we strengthen Hafnarfjörður as a cultural community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- To ensure that the diversity of the community is reflected in a vibrant cultural life and events.
- Increase the visibility of cultural institutions and promote active participation by residents.
- To promote Hafnarfjörður as a year-round destination.
- Working towards the targeted development of tourist destinations and promotional activities in cooperation with neighbouring local authorities.
-
Education for all
Excellent education.
Learning emphasises quality, well-being, social security, independence and achievement. Respect is shown for different ways of life and diversity. An encouraging learning environment supports initiative, collaboration and creativity. Students develop their talents at their own pace and are supported to grow and flourish.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- To offer education that meets the diverse needs of children.
- Enable the creativity of students and staff.
- Respecting different lifestyles and opinions by promoting knowledge and supporting inclusion.
- Emphasise a good attitude in all school activities and a positive school atmosphere.
- To promote prevention and mental well-being among children and young people.
- Empower students and strengthen their social skills.
- Increase students' participation, responsibility and independence in their own learning and assessment.
- Increased teamwork and collaboration throughout the whole school community to
-
Targeted participation
Residents are given the opportunity to be active participants in shaping their environment and are enabled to express their views and ideas. This promotes active democracy and greater consensus on issues and matters.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- Promote democratic participation.
- To encourage fruitful discussion and ensure that residents' suggestions are channelled appropriately.
-
Efficient service
Hafnarfjörður's services meet the needs of residents and are friendly, reliable and smart. We strive to simplify our services, make them efficient for all residents, and resolve issues at the first point of contact where possible.
Priorities 2022 – 2025
- Increase efficiency in the receipt, processing and handling of applications through self-service, digital channels and clear processes.
- Ensure good information provision and adapt it to people's different circumstances.
- To enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration between departments and among the town's institutions.
