Canton of Lucerne Sets Course for Development Until 2050
Lucerne - The cantonal government has adopted the comprehensive revision of the cantonal spatial plan and submitted it to the cantonal parliament for deliberation. The revised plan establishes the spatial framework for growth, settlement, employment zones and land policy in the Canton of Lucerne through 2050.
The cantonal spatial plan is the central instrument through which the Canton of Lucerne manages its spatial development. It is binding on all cantonal authorities and is reviewed every ten years. The current comprehensive revision was adopted by the cantonal government on 19 May 2026 and submitted to the cantonal parliament for deliberation.
Population Growth as the Key Planning Variable
According to the medium growth scenario, the canton's population will increase by around 120,000 people by 2050, reaching approximately 560,000 residents. The revised spatial plan establishes the spatial framework to accommodate this growth: the aim is an orderly, compact pattern of settlement development that makes efficient use of land.
Focus Areas of the Revision
The revision places particular emphasis on housing availability, employment zones and an active land policy — all areas with direct relevance to Lucerne as a business location. The availability of commercial and industrial land, alongside coordinated land policy, are prerequisites for attracting and developing businesses in the region. The plan has also been restructured and made more accessible in its layout.
Expanded Role for the Cantonal Parliament
Under the revised framework, the cantonal parliament takes on responsibility for adopting the spatial development strategy — the strategic objectives and priorities that shape the substance of the plan. The cantonal government retains responsibility for the remaining content and the spatial plan map. Parliamentary deliberation and a formal resolution are scheduled for autumn 2026.
Next Steps
Following the parliamentary resolution, the spatial plan will be submitted to the federal government for approval together with the planning report. Federal approval is expected in the course of 2027, at which point the plan's provisions will also become binding for the federal government and neighbouring cantons.
Further information and documentation on the comprehensive revision are available at richtplan.lu.ch/Gesamtrevision.
