Marbach Monthly Review: Forest, Budget, and Digitalization in Focus

Forest, Budget, and Digitalization: What Shaped Marbach in March 2026

What Was Important This Month

• The Forest Management Plan 2026 for the Marbach City Forest was unanimously approved – with a focus on maintenance, preservation, and timber harvesting.
• The 2026 Budget was adopted, despite a deficit of over 4.4 million euros.
• The Draft Zoning Plan for the Lauerbäumle Sports Center was unanimously approved.
• Digitalization in the administration is progressing: Invoices are being automated, and a new website is being planned.
• Marbach is launching the project "Caring Community", funded with 85,000 euros in support.

Forestry and Climate Protection in the City Forest

The Marbach City Forest remains a central focus of urban planning in 2026. The Forest Management Plan 2026 was unanimously approved by the Council members. It includes comprehensive maintenance measures on 6 hectares, including the protection of young trees and a timber harvest of 1,180 solid meters. The timber sales will continue to be conducted through auctions open to the local population – a transparent and participatory process.

The financial situation of the city forest remains stable: With a grant of 25,430 euros and a positive result of 19,528 euros in 2026, forestry remains a profitable operation. Additionally, the implementation of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Supply Chains (EUDR) has been postponed by one year, sparing the city from immediate implementation costs.

2026 Budget: Deficit, but Planning Security

The 2026 Budget was unanimously approved, despite a deficit of 4,488,968 euros and a debt level of 20.5 million euros. Overall, the city remains secure in its planning: The credit authorization for investments amounts to 4,966 million euros, and a surplus of 3,128 million euros in financial resources is planned.

The investments include, among others, the comprehensive renovation of the primary school, the renovation of the educational center, and the expansion of sports facilities. In addition, digital participation in meetings has been enabled to enhance transparency and participation – a step toward a modern, citizen-oriented administration.

Changing City Partnerships

Marbach’s city partnerships remain an important element of international relations, but also a challenge in budget planning. In March, it was decided to reduce the budget for city partnerships by 50% and to organize them more economically in the future. Nevertheless, planned trips and activities are still on the agenda: A 22-member delegation from Washington, Missouri, will visit Marbach in May 2026, and a youth game in Tirebolu is planned for 2027.

In addition, Marbach will be represented at the Rielingshausen Citizens' Festival in July 2026 with a sales stand in cooperation with the Karadeniz Giresunlular BW e.V. – a sign of the city's cultural diversity.

Cross-topic: The Balance Between Investment and Cost Constraints

The central challenge in March 2026 was striking a balance between necessary investments – particularly in education, sports, and infrastructure – and financial constraints. Although the budget shows a deficit, the investments in renovation projects and digitalization demonstrate that Marbach is thinking long-term and striving to remain future-ready. At the same time, it is evident that the city must become more cost-efficient in its administration and city partnerships – a challenge that will come into particular focus in the coming months.

Outlook

April 2026 will be exciting: In addition to the renewal of water pipes and the further implementation of the Lauerbäumle zoning plan, the raising of the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag is also planned for June. Additionally, the project "Caring Community" will be launched and bring new impulses to the city's social space. Marbach is on a path of transformation – and the monthly reports show that the city is acting both pragmatically and visionarily in this process.