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In March, it's your turn to vote if you want to see more garden streets in Paris!

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The Editor

© Page Light Studios / Shutterstock

After scooters and SUVs, it's once again up to you to decide the future of the capital. This time, we're leaving transportation behind; the City Hall of Paris wants to redefine the look of the capital by speeding up its greening process. This includes creating real "garden streets," which are at the heart of this new citizen voting initiative.

« Do you want to see more garden streets in Paris?» This is roughly the question that the residents of the capital will need to answer— or rather, can answer, since participation is not mandatory— on March 23rd. It's probably a question that's less divisive than when it comes to SUVs or scooters, but just as important, as it also aims to protect the planet and make Paris a more pleasant city, and especially more eco-friendly.


Streets with multiple benefits

Since the beginning of his mandates, this has been one of the cornerstones of our mayor's policy: to make Paris a greener city. And after the inauguration of numerous parks and

Hier, la Maire de Paris a détaillé les temps forts qui rythmeront l'année et qui contribueront à accélérer les transformations de la ville : accessibilité, votation citoyenne, culture et grands chantiers, découvrez ce que 2025 nous réserve 👉 https://t.co/a3doQ519uq

— Paris (@Paris) January 16, 2025

The goal is simple: to create 100 garden streets in the coming years, to get closer to realizing the 10 m² of green spaces per inhabitant project. And for now, 300 hectares are still needed. These garden streets would help reduce heat islands, promote safety, develop and preserve biodiversity, and generally improve the quality of life for all residents of the City of Light.


A decision that concerns everyone

To address this essential question, you'll agree that everyone is invited to come share their opinion on March 23rd, in polling stations set up for the occasion. And for the first time, this vote will be extended, as all young people between 16 and 18 years old are included.

Those who are therefore not registered on the electoral lists can also share their opinions. So, if you were born between March 23, 2007, and March 22, 2009 and you live in Paris, you will be able to participate in the vote. And let me tell you, while we find it very positive to give youth a voice, reading those birth dates makes us feel a little old.


A Vote That Raises Some Questions

However, in the opposition camps, many are questioning the relevance of such a vote. Indeed, when it comes to taking an additional step for the environment and making the streets of the capital more pleasant, it seems difficult to vote against such a project. Especially since this project is nearly already decided even before the vote, as it is part of the budget measures announced by the City of Paris.

Moreover, some people are currently concerned about the lack of clarity regarding the voting, which, although it has been announced all around the capital thanks to signs and advertising posters, remains at this time fairly vague. No specific questions have been raised, nor has the list of affected streets by the transformations been provided. Anne Hidalgo explains this lack of precision by stating that each area will need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Well, if we learn more by March 23, we'll keep you updated.