Stiftung PWG—formally Stiftung zur Erhaltung von preisgünstigen Wohn- und Gewerberäumen der Stadt Zürich—is a public-law, nonprofit foundation established by the City of Zürich. Its purpose is to preserve and create affordable housing and commercial premises, particularly for small businesses, within the city. The foundation’s creation followed a popular initiative: the municipal council established it on 7 February 1990, and it was entered in the commercial register on 5 September 1990.212
Stiftung PWG is headquartered at Flüelastrasse 16 in Zürich, Switzerland.1 Its activities are exclusively local, covering the city’s districts rather than a national or international market. The organisation acquires, manages, renovates and develops properties, using these activities to maintain comparatively affordable rents.512
The foundation’s highest governing body is a 19-member foundation board elected by Zürich’s municipal council according to party representation for four-year terms.3 Andreas Billeter is identified as president of the foundation board, while Andreas Gysi is its managing director.1011 The board is responsible for strategic oversight, including approval of property acquisitions and major construction projects.13
According to recent organisational information, the portfolio comprises 203 properties, more than 2,350 apartments and 337 commercial units.10 The commercial component includes premises for local enterprises and contributes approximately one-fifth of rental income.10 The foundation’s work therefore combines long-term property ownership with the provision of space for residents, small businesses and community-oriented uses across Zürich. Its website also documents projects involving biodiversity, neighbourhood improvements, cultural activity and new commercial developments, including an indoor golf simulator and a bicycle workshop.1