Wenzhou has received a significant boost from ultra-long-term special government bonds, with 605 elevator installations approved for existing residential buildings and 164 million yuan in subsidy funds, ranking first in the province for both project numbers and total funding. This development is set to accelerate the resolution of mobility challenges for residents in older neighborhoods.

This year, the national government has, for the first time, included elevator installations in existing residential buildings under the scope of ultra-long-term special bond support. Wenzhou seized this policy window by precisely planning projects and efficiently coordinating applications, thereby expanding the benefits for the public. According to regulations, the subsidies cover all compliant existing residential communities in the city where owners have reached a consensus. The funds are specifically designated for engineering costs such as elevator equipment procurement, installation work, and pipeline relocation, effectively reducing the overall self-funding burden for the building and easing the financial pressure on residents.

In the previous application round, the city successfully secured 336 million yuan in ultra-long-term special bonds for the renovation of 2,222 old residential elevators. Combined with the current elevator installation subsidies, these two types of elevator-related public welfare projects have together received a total of 500 million yuan in special bonds. Over the past three years, Wenzhou has accumulated 1.023 billion yuan in similar national bonds, with the 2026 approval scale accounting for 48% of the total, setting a new historical high.

While funding is available, achieving consensus among residents remains a key challenge. Balancing the interests of upper and lower floors in elevator installations is consistently the biggest obstacle. Wenzhou upholds the principle of "residents' matters, discussed by residents," implementing a three-tier conflict resolution mechanism of "self-negotiation, community mediation, and street-level hearings." For instance, during the public notice period for the Cangtan Building in Danan Street, Lucheng District, all six first-floor households collectively opposed the project. After the street and community intervened, mediators led multiple rounds of negotiations, resulting in the upper-floor residents agreeing to compensate each first-floor household with 7,500 yuan. This led to a mutual agreement and the smooth start of construction. This mechanism has now been widely adopted across multiple old residential communities in the city, with dedicated mediators working on the ground to resolve disputes before construction begins, significantly increasing the success rate of elevator installations.

Approval process acceleration is also supporting project implementation. Wenzhou has fully implemented parallel approvals and acceptance of incomplete applications. At the city level, it has been clarified that historical illegal structures should not hinder the approval process, that the voting threshold for property owners cannot be arbitrarily raised, and that no hidden procedural steps are allowed. Areas like Taishun, Dongtou, and Pingyang have taken the lead in accelerating approval processes, creating replicable models.

In terms of fund and project supervision, a full-process closed-loop management system is in place. This includes the implementation of an engineering general contracting system and the establishment of a control mechanism with "one file per elevator, full traceability." Close monitoring is conducted at five key stages: material delivery, civil construction, steel structure welding, elevator installation, and final acceptance. Through monthly street-level inspections and county-level regular surprise checks, any safety hazards are met with immediate work stoppages and rectifications, ensuring quality and safety standards are maintained.

An official from the Wenzhou Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau stated that the city currently has over 700 projects in its reserve pool, forming a phased progression structure. Looking ahead, with the official implementation of the "Wenzhou City Administrative Measures for Elevator Installation in Existing Residential Buildings," the city will continue to enhance policy promotion, optimize approval services, and improve the negotiation mechanism. This will steadily drive the high-quality implementation of elevator installation projects, allowing more residents to enjoy the convenience of "one-button access" and share in the benefits of urban development.