Svalbard Local democracy
Longyearbyen lokalstyre (the local council), its decisions and money, and the next local election.
Where it stands
The council plans to spend 55 to 60% of the coming visitor contribution on roads, footpaths, and water and sewage. The contribution is a fee paid by visitors to Svalbard.
In September the council set up the Longyearbyen Cooperation Forum, a standing meeting place for the town's main actors.
Reports
November 2026
- Report6 November 2026Council upholds refusal of 88 rooms for visiting workersLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- Report6 November 2026Council backs new building at Vei 401 against adviceLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- Report6 November 2026Council upholds refusal of 15 flats at Elvesletta nordLongyearbyen lokalstyre
October 2026
- Report26 October 2026Council still advises against drinking tap water in Longyearbyen; water supply decision due in DecemberArctic Portal
- Report23 October 2026Liberal Party holds 7 seats on Longyearbyen local councilLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- Report22 October 2026Local council to spend most visitor contribution on infrastructureNRK
- In full15 October 2026Samarbeidsforum Longyearbyen holds its first meeting on 7 OctoberLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- Report13 October 2026Longyearbyen council to choose water supply concept in DecemberLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- In full6 October 2026Substance abuse policy action plan 2026-2028 adoptedLongyearbyen lokalstyre
September 2026
- In full28 September 2026Children leave their mark on the future LongyearbyenLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- In full28 September 2026Longyearbyen Cooperation Forum has been establishedLongyearbyen lokalstyre
August 2026
- In full25 August 2026The council asks residents to fill a Wish Tree at the libraryLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- In full24 August 2026The council invites businesses to a forum on 4 SeptemberLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- In full18 August 2026The council holds public meeting on Svalbardhallen rehabilitationLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- In full17 August 2026The council asks for input to the Longyearbyen land use planLongyearbyen lokalstyre
July 2026
- In full9 July 2026The council keeps first come, first served on the squareLongyearbyen lokalstyre