Social Affairs and Housing Policy in Freiburg: March 2026 in Focus

Inclusion and Mobility: The Advisory Board for People with Disabilities in March 2026

The Advisory Board for People with Disabilities met on March 26, 2026, and addressed central topics such as mobility and inclusion. Particularly noteworthy was a presentation on a new car-sharing model for wheelchair users, introduced by Max Steiner, DEZ III. This project aims to improve the mobility of people with disabilities in Freiburg and thereby promote their participation in urban life.

Another agenda item focused on the needs of deaf individuals. Representatives from associations at the "House for People with Hearing Impairments" and members of the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities were invited to discuss solutions for better communication conditions in the city. These initiatives demonstrate how Freiburg is actively working to remove barriers and promote inclusion.

Migration and Integration: The Committee on Migration and Integration in Action

The Committee on Migration and Integration met on March 12, 2026, and this month focused on labor market integration and digital support. A key topic was the activity report of the Competence Center for Newcomers, which has been in operation since 2017 and serves as a central point of contact for newcomers over the age of 25.

The achievements of the Competence Center are impressive: in the years 2024 and 2025, 89.5% of the individuals supported were placed in socially insured employment. In addition, the center promotes projects such as the "IQ-Project Plan A" and "Job-NETZ" to improve job market opportunities. The steering group of the center reaffirmed the further development of its concept in January 2026, showing that the work is long-term in nature.

Digital Integration: The Integreat App and Vocational Language Courses

Another focus of the committee was the Integreat App, Freiburg's digital guide for newcomers. The app, which provides information in 13 languages on work, education, health, and housing, is increasingly being used—especially by Russian, Turkish, and Ukrainian speakers. The goal is to further increase awareness, for example through posters in doctors' offices and presentations at vocational schools. Employers are also to be won as multipliers.

Another important topic was the release of municipal funds for vocational language courses. Due to the withdrawal of federal funding, there was a funding gap for B1-level language courses. The committee therefore passed a resolution to lift the funding block for locally supported vocational language courses amounting to 150,000 euros. This allows for the funding of six B1 courses for about 100 people, improving the prerequisites for entering employment.

Outlook and Challenges

The decisions and initiatives in March 2026 show how Freiburg is actively committed to inclusion, integration, and digital support. Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly in the recognition of foreign qualifications and the rapid placement in jobs. The further development of the Competence Center and the stabilization of the language course offerings are therefore central tasks for the coming months.