Community Development
Clara Meier is a community affairs correspondent specializing in local development, social integration, and interfaith initiatives across Swiss cities. She covers projects that build stronger, more inclusive communities. (DE)
20 published articles
Switzerland's first cemetery restaurant, "La Vie," opens in Bern's Bremgartenfriedhof in early March, repurposing historic urn halls for dining, reflection, and community events.
Bern's annual carnival saw a significant increase in visitor numbers this year, reversing a trend of decline. The Saturday parade was particularly popular, drawing large crowds and creating a lively a
Switzerland's major cities, Zurich, Bern, and Basel, are set to host a wide array of New Year's Eve parties this year. From techno raves and multi-floor club experiences to retro-themed dances and mou
Zollikofen, Switzerland, launches 'Das andere Wohnen', an innovative communal living project for 23 seniors, aged 49 to over 80, aiming to combat loneliness and promote sustainable, self-managed lifes
Monika Bodmer and Dina Hediger received the prestigious Prix Sana for their exceptional dedication to helping vulnerable individuals in Switzerland, from traumatized children to parents of premature b
Bern, Biel, and Thun residents are granting holiday wishes to seniors through the "Päckliaktion" campaign. Shoppers pick wish cards from trees in Loeb stores, buy gifts, and bring joy to elderly indiv
Bern's anonymous reporting tool for sexism, queerphobia, and harassment has received nearly 1,100 reports in two and a half years, with verbal harassment most common.
The Allianza Ambulanza collective has occupied part of the former Tiefenau Hospital site in Bern, transforming it into a vibrant community hub. The group seeks to provide non-commercial uses and suppo
A Bern beauty studio client suffered first and second-degree burns during a full-body laser hair removal session. The technician ignored repeated pain complaints, leading to a penal order for simple b
The Mannenberg Reservoir, the largest drinking water facility in Canton Bern, has opened after a four-year, 43 million Swiss franc construction. It replaces an old system and will supply 135,000 resid
Digital ride-sharing service Taxito will cease operations by year-end due to post-pandemic usage drops and future competition from self-driving cars, impacting rural transport.
Canton Bern faces ongoing conflicts between humans and wild animals, with wild boars causing the most damage. Former hunting inspector Peter Juesy discusses the emotional challenges and solutions for
Bern's ice skating season begins this weekend with the opening of Weyermannshaus and PostFinance Arena rinks. Ka-We-De remains closed for renovations.
Muri near Bern projects a 200,000 CHF budget surplus for 2026, driven by 4 million CHF higher tax revenues. Despite increased costs for a container school, the tax rate remains at 1.14 units.
The Canton of Bern is considering a new tax on second homes to offset a projected 150 million franc revenue loss from the abolition of the imputed rental value tax.
The Bern City Council has approved a CHF 150 million funding package to extend Tram Line 9. The project will add 4.5 km of track and five new stops.
Bernese voters have decisively approved a 14.9 million CHF funding package for community work until 2029, with 80.6% in favor, increasing annual allocations.
Three Swiss municipalities are investing 50 million francs into Weisse Arena Flims, Laax, and Falera ski resorts to prevent foreign acquisition. A public vote on this plan will take place in late Octo
Bern's 2025 city budget was approved after a heated debate between conservative and left-green parties, with disagreements on international aid funding.
Köniz municipality rejected architect Andrea Barben's multi-generational housing project in Wabern. The decision cited design issues, specifically the orientation of balconies towards a quieter side s
