THE DECALOGUE English version

1) SELF-GOVERNANCE OF VENICE. The future of Venice as a “living city” depends on the recognition of the lagoon of Venice as a municipality with separate administrative authority. This self-governed municipality will be combined with specified mainland districts to form the area of Greater Venice.

2) SPECIAL TAX STATUS. In recognition of the unique nature of the historic Venice area and the need to diversify its economic base, the new city of Venice will be delegated administrative authority to levy or assess local taxes and fees within its own territory. Such taxes will not be in conflict nor will they supersede taxes of other administrative regions to which Venice belongs.

3) RESIDENTIAL POLICY. Repopulation of the city will be accomplished through housing policies that provide incentives for the settlement of permanent “year round” residents. These incentives will aim to attract and retain current citizens of Venice, families, and former residents wishing to return to the city. In addition, given the residential improvements that are needed in several areas of Venice, the new municipality will establish residential improvement districts that will directly and indirectly affect the redevelopment of the area to include residential improvements as well as the enhancement of health and social services. The objective is to return to a more balanced city with the permanent residents increasing over time to 100,000 inhabitants.

4) REVITALIZATION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY. Through economic development, tax incentives, business incubators, and partnerships, the new municipality will revitalise and diversify the economy of Venice. This will include the encouragement of traditional activities in Venice, as well as new businesses that will serve the increasing residential population. This new economic development will be aimed to support the increased autonomy of the municipality, and it will be consistent with the historic and cultural values of Venice – the goals of which may at times be at odds with the objectives of some Italian and European Union regulations.

5) TRANSPORTATION. It is essential to provide quick, reliable, and convenient transportation throughout the city and to the mainland. Continued development of transportation options within the city must consider the delicate ecological and structural environment of the lagoon.

6) NEW TOURISM POLICY. Administrative oversight must be placed on real estate transactions to discourage speculative activity and encourage long-term permanent residents. Continued tourism is essential to the economic viability of the city, however, it must be done in balance with the objective of keeping Venice a “living city” that promotes its tradition and culture. The development of new tourist facilities should be strictly controlled, with an emphasis on standards for tourism quality, and efforts should be made to develop policies and regulations that balance the flow of tourists with the quality of life for the citizens of Venice. Taxation revenues should benefit from tourism for the city without adversely affecting the permanent residents.

7) DIRECT PARTICIPATION OF CITIZENS. A Municipal Assembly of Venetian Associations should be established, with powers of consultation and the charter to build partnerships between companies, community groups, and the municipal government.

8) DEFENCE OF THE ARTS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND CULTURAL TRADITIONS. The government and community organisations should work to protect the monuments and historic landmarks that represent the historic identity of Venice and its lagoon.

9) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF THE LAGOON. The government, citizens, and businesses of Venice, along with its visitors, need to be partners in preservation of the uniqueness of the lagoon’s marine environment by actively adhering to environmental protection regulations and by sponsoring conservation initiatives to maintain the health of the aquatic environment.

10) PUBLIC SAFETY AND VANDALISM. The government, civic organisations and the public at large need to work together to address the growing levels of vandalism and crime in the city. This serious situation requires strict laws, adequate enforcement, and appropriately severe penalties.