Policies

Here you will find all approved policies and strategic plans for Reykjavík City. A policy refers to a dated document setting out a philosophy, a vision, and objectives that are implemented using benchmarks and funded actions.

Approved policies and strategic plans

Cooperation agreement

The cooperation agreement of the Social Democratic Alliance, Progress Party, Pirate Party, and Liberal Reform Party was signed on June 6, 2022, and addresses key focal points in many areas.

The Green Deal - Reykjavík City's Comprehensive Strategy until 2030

The Green Deal is Reykjavík City's strategic plan that collects the main key projects and green investments in the City over the next 10 years. The Green Deal is based on sustainability ideology and presents a clear vision for a flourishing and carbon-neutral urban community where everyone can find purpose and role.

Finances

The Financial and Investment Policy of Reykjavík City supports the Green Deal, which is Reykjavík City's action plan until 2030, setting a general financial framework and goals for the operation and development of the City's finances in the long and short term.

The Procurement Policy of Reykjavík City was approved at the City Council meeting on March 15, 2011.

The Risk Policy of Reykjavík City and its supplements create a framework for governance, methods, and processes used in the implementation of comprehensive risk management within the administration.

The Statement on Governance and Non-Financial Information clarifies the role and responsibility of the City Council, the City Executive Council, and the Mayor. The statement discusses the City's main resolutions, internal rules, and policies, in addition to internal control, risk management and auditing, corporate social responsibility, ethics, and non-financial information. The statement is published with the annual financial statement each year.

Housing, employment, and innovation issues

Reykjavík’s Housing Plans address housing market challenges and Reykjavík City housing goals. They are based on Reykjavík City housing policies, legal frameworks, and housing market analyses.

Reykjavík's Employment and Innovation Policy, Innovation Everywhere, emphasizes the importance of value creation in all areas of society and that the city provides a fertile ground for creativity and initiative.

The Action Plan 2024-2026 – Reykjavík City's Participation in International Research and Innovation Projects was approved by the Presidium of Reykjavík on June 7, 2024. All the specialized councils of the City reviewed the plan. The action plan aims to strengthen Reykjavík City's position in domestic and international cooperation. It seeks to maximize benefits through knowledge acquisition and innovation. The City developed the action plan in spring 2024. It responds to an assessment by the University of Iceland's Institute of Public Administration and Politics on the City's experience in fully funded multinational research projects.

Reykjavík City's Tourism Policy. Reykjavík stands out as a destination by offering a vibrant, progressive urban culture, a rich arts scene, knowledge creation, diverse high-quality services, outdoor recreation opportunities, and unique nature that intertwines with and surrounds the city.

Future development of hospitality industry in Reykjavík. Reykjavík's vision aims for a diverse hospitality industry that maximizes benefits for residents, operators, and the entire community.

Policy on City Center Affairs. "The center of Reykjavík is the capital for everyone in Iceland, where a strong and healthy community meets diverse employment and a cultural and social life that reflects both the nation's cultural heritage and a progressive and international city. It is a good place to live, work, and visit.”

Sports and leisure affairs

Reykjavík Sports Policy. Our vision for 2030 is for as many Reykjavík residents as possible to regularly engage in sports, fitness, or other physical activities

Reykjavík pools. The guiding principles for a 20-year vision are the quality of life for residents, the unique aspects of Reykjavík City, and its opportunities as a tourist destination.

Policy making for youth ages 16 and olderis a long-term plan. It aims to achieve specific goals and provide an overview of the conditions for youth. The policy works across the City's departments and is intended to have a positive impact on their operations, projects, and school operation plans.

Human resources

Reykjavík City Human Resources Policy 2018-2025. The future vision of the Policy is that Reykjavík City be a workplace that attracts talented and ambitious people who work for the city's residents.

The Employee Training Policy of Reykjavík City is a core policy of the Human Resources Policy. It is based on the vision that Reykjavík City is a workplace where education and training of staff are supported, ongoing, and built on strong collaboration.

Reykjavík City's Safety Policy applies to all the City's workplaces and covers all employees. The Safety Policy is a core policy of Reykjavík City's Human Resources Policy. It is based on the principle of trust, which means prioritizing employee well-being and ensuring a safe working environment. The Safety Policy was approved on April 7, 2022, and its implementation is the responsibility of the Department of Human Resources & Work Environments.

Reykjavík City's policy against bullying, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and violence (EKKO) in the workplace is part of the City's Human Resources Policy. The policy outlines the vision, goals, priorities, actions, and metrics in this area. It also defines key concepts.

Reykjavík City’s Equal Pay Policy extends to all City employees. All employees are entitled to equal pay and benefits for equal work regardless of gender. There shall be no unexplained gender pay gap.

The Health Policy of Reykjavík City envisions Reykjavík City as an attractive workplace where staff can tangibly feel that the workplace cares about their health and well-being. It emphasizes physical, mental, and social health.

The Attendance Policy of Reykjavík City envisions Reykjavík City as a workplace that cares about the health and welfare of its staff, demonstrating this through coordinated and supportive procedures in response to absences.

Human rights and democracy issues

Reykjavík City's Human Rights Policy is based on constitutional human rights provisions and international treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The policy is based on the principle of equality and aims to ensure that all people enjoy human rights without regard to origin, nationality, class, language, color, religion, philosophical beliefs, political views, atheism, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, age, disability, physique, body form, health, fitness, or other status.

Reykjavík City’s Policy on Matters Related to Immigrants, Refugees, and Applicants for International Protection is based on the Act on Immigrant Affairs No. 116/2002, the Act on Foreign Nationals No. 80/2016, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Reykjavík City's Democracy Policy seeks to increase citizen participation. The Policy is aimed at making it possible for every resident to have a say in what matters to them.

Reykjavík City's Accessibility Policy is a comprehensive approach addressing accessibility in its broadest sense. It is based on the philosophy of inclusive design, enhancing access to buildings and urban spaces, as well as to information, services, and support.

Cultural affairs

Reykjavík City's Cultural Policy aims for all residents to have equal opportunities to enjoy art, culture, and cultural heritage as both participants and consumers by 2030.

Reykjavík City's Tourism Policy. Reykjavík stands out as a destination by offering a vibrant, progressive urban culture, a rich arts scene, knowledge creation, diverse high-quality services, outdoor recreation opportunities, and unique nature that intertwines with and surrounds the city.

School and leisure affairs

Reykjavík City’s Education Policy lays the foundation for progressive school and recreational activities, based on the strengths of the Icelandic society. At the same time, it's designed to meet the challenges posed by continuous societal and technological changes that transform children's upbringing and traditional concepts of education.

Reykjavík City Recreational Services Policy. The guiding principle for Reykjavík City is to offer varied and health-promoting after-school services that encourage active participation, creation, and a better community.

Policy on Multicultural Schooling and Recreational Activities. A guiding principle of the Department of Education & Youth is that all children and youth should be successful in learning and playing, socially prosperous, and have equal opportunities to be proud of their background and culture.

Reykjavík City's Policy on Buildings for School and Recreational Activities creates a framework for work in line with the City's Education Policy. It also serves as a guide that aligns with Reykjavík City's Green Deal, which is a vision for an urban community characterized by a healthy environment, equal opportunities, and a strong economy that does not deplete natural resources.

Preschool Literacy Policy. During preschool years, a critical foundation for children's development is laid, preparing them for later reading education

Reading policy for Reykjavík City primary schools. The general part of the 2011 national curriculum for primary schools identifies literacy as one of the fundamental aspects of education. It aims to highlight key elements of general education and promote continuity in schooling.

Inclusive education is based on recognizing and involving all students. The curriculum is meaningful for all students, and the learning environment embraces diversity. All students receive respect and support to achieve their best possible results.

Policy on music education in Reykjavík. Reykjavík City aims to expose children in the early years of primary school to music through various means. These include music education classes, instrument demonstrations, choir activities, instrument playing, ensemble work, stage performances, and more.

Special education in preschools. The 2007 school operation plan for the Preschool Division states that a working group should be established to review the City's current policy on special education matters.

Reykjavík City's Policy on Buildings for School and Recreational Activities creates a framework for work in line with the City's Education Policy. It also serves as a guide that aligns with Reykjavík City's Green Deal, which is a vision for an urban community characterized by a healthy environment, equal opportunities, and a strong economy that does not deplete natural resources.

Environment and planning issues

The municipal plan of Reykjavíkoutlines the City's future development strategy. The municipal plan determines locations for future residential areas and business districts. It also outlines new streets and paths. The plan sets aside areas for outdoor recreation.

Reykjavík City Environmental and Resource Policy. The City will ensure the quality of life for current and future residents by valuing the wealth of nature's services and a clean environment. The City will strengthen nature's services and minimize negative environmental impacts

Reykjavík City climate policy. Reykjavík City aims to become carbon neutral by 2040 and adapt to climate change in an environmentally friendly and people-centered way.

Biodiversity Policy. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in people's environment. It covers everything from individuals and populations of specific species to communities and ecosystems.

The Reykjavík City Biking Plan is a report by the Department of Environment & Planning. It aims to create an environment that encourages biking, making Reykjavík a better bicycle city.

Action plan for waste management. Efficient waste handling brings financial, social, and environmental benefits for municipalities and their residents. Waste management is part of the mandatory basic services of municipalities and an important area within their operations.

The Green City, Environment and Resource Policy, and eco-friendly transportation. Reykjavík City wants to strengthen its role as a green city. This involves a major focus on densifying the cityscape and mixing building patterns, providing good access to diverse outdoor and nature areas, and promoting eco-friendly modes of travel.

The Car and Bicycle Parking Policy outlines requirements for the number of car and bicycle parking spaces within plots in Reykjavík for new buildings and/or urban renewal. It is part of the Car and Bicycle Parking Policy in Reykjavík City's municipal plan.

Together Reykjavík is the public transport policy for Reykjavík.

Reykjavík's traffic safety plan discusses the current status and trends in accidents, Reykjavík City's goals, and priorities for traffic safety work from 2019 to 2023.

Tree Planting Policy. Since 2000, the City's operational plan has aimed to promote a beautiful city where green areas create a setting for healthy outdoor activities, education, and cultivation.

Reykjavík's Playground Policy aims to ensure the city's play environments meet the needs and wishes of children in Reykjavík.

School of Work Reykjavík – The School of Work is an outdoor school. Most of its projects involve maintaining plants and flowerbeds throughout the city.

Welfare and public health affairs

Reykjavík City's Welfare Policy guides residents and welfare service staff.

Reykjavík City's Prevention Policy for children, adolescents, and their parents is based on the the experience with prevention efforts in the city. It also considers societal changes in recent years

Reykjavík City's Welfare Technology Policy requires the Reykjavík City’s Department of Welfare to use welfare technology to improve quality of life for people aging at home, disabled people, or those with illnesses. It also promotes active community participation.

Reykjavík City's Policy for Serving Disabled People at Home will include an action plan while it is in effect intended to bring the services of Reykjavík City closer to the future vision each year.

Reykjavík City's Policy on Senior Citizen Affairs.. Reykjavík City should be an age-friendly and health-promoting city that considers the needs of all residents. An accessible, attractive, and convenient city is an age-friendly city.

Reykjavík City Policy on Homelessness for Individuals with Complex Needs envisions that all residents have equal opportunities to lead good and dignified lives, ensuring no Reykjavík resident has to sleep outdoors.

Reykjavík City Food Policy. The primary goal of forming a food policy is to promote better health for Reykjavík residents, strengthen meal services, and help the city achieve its objectives in terms of safety, sustainability, public health, and cost-effectiveness.

Reykjavík's Public Health Policy was approved by the City Council on October 5, 2021. Work on the Policy took place over the winter of 2020-2021, in collaboration with city residents, the Director of Health, and the Primary Care of the Capital Area.

Services, communications and information

The Service Policy of Reykjavík City describes a unified vision of service delivery. It guides staff in their daily work while setting standards and metrics for City services in general.

The Information Policy of Reykjavík City is based on the principle that careful handling and dissemination of information is key to City operations. It aims to make access to information and services for residents easier, more efficient, and more effective.

Language Policy of Reykjavík Cit. Clear, precise, and easily understood language, both written and spoken, is crucial in all City services and administration. All key information about City services should be available in Icelandic, English, and other languages when possible.

Reykjavík City's Policy on Interpretation and Translation Services aims to ensure City staff provide good service to all residents and fulfill their duty to guide and inform.

The Data Protection Policy of Reykjavík City emphasizes the importance of processing personal data within the municipality in accordance with the Data Protection Act and policies of sectorial departments and offices in central administration.

The Documentation Policy of Reykjavík City aims to ensure safe handling and storage of public documents, focusing on residents' rights, City administration interests, and preserving Reykjavík City's history.

The Policy on the use of Information Technology at Reykjavík City 2018-2022 lays the foundation for using IT in City operations and services for years to come.

Declaration on Information Security of Reykjavík City. The Department of Information Technology's role is to ensure the security of the Department's and its clients' information regarding confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

International Policy of Reykjavík City The Policy's guiding principle is for Reykjavík City to actively participate in international cooperation to better handle its tasks and strengthen its position in culture, administration, and business.

Ownership policies

Reykjavík City's General Ownership Policy aims to clarify the role, mandate and responsibility of Reykjavík City's ownership in companies. It outlines the arrangement and participation in decisions on strategy and important company matters, and communication with boards, managers and other owners. The ownership policy ensures transparent, professional and efficient management of Reykjavík City's ownership.

The Ownership policy of Félagsbústaðir hf. aims to clarify the role and responsibility of the company's owner, Reykjavík City, and the owner's participation in decisions on important matters and strategy. The ownership policy ensures transparent, professional and efficient company management.

Ownership policy of Harpa for it's operations and activities - Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre ohf., owned by the Icelandic state and Reykjavík City.

Sorpa's ownership policy aims to clarify the owners' roles, responsibilities and duties. It ensures their participation in decisions on important matters and strategy.

Strætó Public Transport's ownership policy aims to clarify the owners' roles, responsibilities and duties. It ensures their participation in decisions on important matters and strategy.

Reykjavíkur Energy’s ownership policy aims to clarify the owners' roles, responsibilities and duties. It ensures their participation in decisions on important matters and strategy.

Collaborative Agreement of Municipalities on the Operation of Capital Region Ski Areas. The municipalities of Mosfellsbær, Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Seltjarnarnes, Garðabær, and Hafnarfjörður jointly operate the Capital Region Ski Areas.