Upper Austria approves €60 million municipal support package

On 9 July 2026 the Upper Austria state parliament approved a €60 million municipal package aimed at strengthening local services and quality of life. The package, backed by the ÖVP, FPÖ and SPÖ, allocates €50 million directly to the 438 towns and municipalities in the state, with disbursements based on size. Statutory cities receive the largest shares – Linz will obtain over €3.3 million and Wels just above €1 million – while the smallest municipalities such as Aichkirchen receive €60 000 each. An additional €10 million is earmarked for a project fund to support local initiatives and infrastructure projects.

State Governor and Finance Minister Thomas Stelzer explained that the funding is intended to provide financial relief in a difficult economic environment. Margit Angerlehner, club leader of the OÖ VP Landtagsklub and mayor of Oftering, emphasized the responsibility to secure the “backbone” of the state’s municipalities. Opposition members warned the one‑off payment could be only a “consolation” and raised concerns about its limited long‑term impact.