Kex’s Policy 2026-2030 in the municipal elections

Education and Leisure
Kex will

  • Complete the design phase and begin construction of a new sport centre in Höfn.

  • Conduct an independent assessment of the current facilities, infrastructure, and school grounds of Hornafjörður Primary School to enable targeted improvements where needed most.

  • Review existing plans for the Hafnarskóli school grounds and carry out a focused development of a safe, welcoming, and diverse play area for children.

  • Lay the groundwork for the future development of Hornafjörður Elementary School, with the aim of housing all operations in a single building.

  • Take targeted action to increase participation of children of foreign origin in extracurricular and social activities.

  • Establish a working group to improve staff working conditions at Hornafjörður Primary School, similar to the work done for Sjónarhóll preschool during the current term.

  • Introduce a multi-sport program so that all children in grades 1–2 have the opportunity to try all sports at an affordable cost.

  • Implement income-based leisure subsidies to ensure equal access to extracurricular activities regardless of family income.

  • Reduce preschool fees to at least ISK 25,000 for full-day placement including meals.

  • Develop cooperation between the municipality and youth associations to increase participation in leisure activities among children in rural areas.

  • Ensure that families pay only one placement fee regardless of the number of children in preschool and Kátakot.

  • Begin preparations for student housing for FAS in collaboration with the upper secondary school and the state.

  • Plan for population growth and begin preparations for additional preschool facilities in Höfn.

  • Build a multi-purpose facility at Hofgarður to serve both primary school needs and community activities.

  • Further strengthen events and educational initiatives to combat hate speech and prejudice against LGBTQ+ people in the community.

Welfare
Kex will

  • Continue cooperation with Bríet Housing Association on the development of non-profit rental housing.

  • Initiate dialogue with other non-profit housing associations to develop rental housing for lower-income groups.

  • Begin planning for future development at Ekra.

  • Ensure continued agreements on coordinated reception of refugees.

  • Continue planned improvements to social facilities at Ekra.

  • Ensure continued dialogue and cooperation with HSU to improve healthcare services in rural areas.

  • Support and strengthen health promotion for senior citizens in both urban and rural areas.

  • Further strengthen multicultural council initiatives to combat hate speech and prejudice toward people of foreign origin.

  • Conduct a needs assessment for housing solutions for people with disabilities.

  • Conduct a needs assessment for specialized housing for the elderly, such as assisted living or service apartments.

  • Strengthen the Work and Rehabilitation Center and establish sheltered employment opportunities for people with reduced work capacity.

Environment, Planning and Harbours
Kex will

  • Undertake a comprehensive review of waste management to increase recycling incentives, reduce costs for residents, and achieve planned efficiencies.

  • Launch a pilot project alongside the review to introduce a fair “pay-as-you-throw” system where residents pay only for their own waste.

  • Ensure the municipality covers waste transport costs so financial benefits reach residents.

  • Review collection systems for other waste streams in rural areas annually, such as scrap metal collection.

  • Complete planned upgrades to Gáran and begin planning a future reception area on the outskirts of the town.

  • Establish local recycling stations in rural areas in cooperation with youth associations and residents.

  • Ensure traffic safety planning prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists.

  • Improve safety in harbor areas through clear traffic and parking management, prioritizing workers and operational vehicles.

  • Purchase and install an incinerator for animal remains at a suitable location.

  • Increase the number and accessibility of public waste bins and ensure regular collection.

  • Ensure clear responsibility and oversight of environmental maintenance, especially for public spaces and playgrounds.

  • Implement the newly approved vision for playgrounds and outdoor spaces, ensuring regular renewal and maintenance.

  • Build at least two new playgrounds during the term (in rural areas) while maintaining and upgrading existing ones in Höfn.

  • Develop and fund an accessibility action plan to improve pathways, crossings, and access to public buildings.

  • Renovate Mánagarður and repair surrounding fences and grounds.

  • Activate the role of the Environment and Planning Committee as a nature conservation body, including regular consultation with expert institutions.

  • Install modest, low-impact lighting along the coastal path in Höfn in line with the 2026 budget and long-term plans.

  • Add more benches along the coastal path and in green areas in both urban and rural locations.

  • Reapply to the Tourist Site Protection Fund and develop an outdoor recreation area at Leiðarhöfði.

  • Redevelop and upgrade central recreation areas in Höfn with the needs of schools, sports, and residents in mind.

  • Develop a pathway into Nesjahverfi in cooperation with the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration as new road construction concludes.

  • Establish a rescue center in Öræfi in cooperation with the state and continue improving fire service infrastructure.

  • Continue efforts to reduce traffic speeds in urban areas through traffic-calming measures.

  • Advocate for the renewal of the capelin pier to be scheduled for 2027 to allow for proper design work in advance.

Economy and Culture
Kex will

  • Develop a comprehensive long-term strategy for tourism in close dialogue with the entire community.

  • Ensure that Vatnajökull National Park fulfills its legal role in supporting local communities and economic activity, while ensuring meaningful local participation in decision-making.

  • Increase the number of plots available for business development, particularly in the Fjárhúsavík area.

  • Relocate the container area to a designated industrial zone near Fjárhúsavík.

  • Secure the operational foundation of the Business and Research Fund and increase its funding by ISK 10 million in the next budget.

  • Continue supporting the Cultural Center, including activities in Gömlubúð.

  • Ensure that Mikligarður remains partly dedicated to artistic activities.

  • Support diverse cultural activities throughout the municipality.

  • Seek cooperation with the Agricultural Association of Austur-Skaftafellssýsla and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration on fencing along Route 1.

Administration and Finance
Kex will

  • Reduce property taxes where possible without weakening the municipality’s financial position or investment capacity.

  • Reduce property tax on commercial buildings from 1.65% down to 1.57%.

  • Improve communication with residents, for example through regular municipal newsletters.

  • Review administrative processes to better link planning cases concerning the same land areas, ensuring continuity of data and feedback.

  • Develop a future vision for each community in consultation with local councils.

  • Use the experience of the current term to shape the future structure of local councils or alternative participation mechanisms, ensuring rural voices are heard.

  • Advocate for long-term state funding for police presence in Öræfi during peak seasons.

  • Apply pressure on telecommunications companies to ensure reliable and high-quality connectivity across the municipality.