Offenburg in Focus: Climate, Transportation, and Kindergarten Planning

Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation in the Spotlight

What was important this month:

• The expansion of district heating in municipal buildings was decided.
• Offenburg is promoting flower meadows and perennial flower areas to enhance biodiversity.
• The Climate Protection Action Plan 2026/2027 was unanimously adopted.
• Parking fees at Gifizsee Beach were adjusted.
• Kindergarten planning was revised in response to demographic developments.
• Neighborhood garages and mobility concepts for the southern district are being examined.

Climate Protection and Green Spaces: Offenburg is Focusing on Diversity

In February 2026, Offenburg sent a clear signal for climate protection and biodiversity. The Planning and Environment Committee adopted the Green and Biodiversity Action Program, which includes 5.3 hectares of flower meadows and 6,800 square meters of perennial flower areas. These measures are part of the Climate Protection Action Plan 2026/2027, which was unanimously approved.

Another highlight is the Kirchplatz, which will be redesigned in 2026. Financial support for this comes from the federal program "Natural Climate Protection in Municipalities" (NKK), with up to 60,000 euros. In addition, the city supports natural gardens and green roofs, for which 160,000 euros have been applied for in 2026/2027.

In connection with the Energy Report 2024, the expansion of district heating supply in municipal buildings was confirmed. Offenburg aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions in the long term with this measure.

Transportation Development: Neighborhood Garages and Union Bridge

The Transportation Committee focused on several infrastructure projects. The extension of transportation services until 2042 was decided, providing greater traffic safety and planning certainty.

Another important project is the neighborhood garage at the leisure center. The committee recommended conducting a feasibility study including a cost-benefit analysis. In addition, it was decided to redesign the forecourt of the Offenburg Süd stop.

The construction of the Union Bridge also came into sharper focus. The design proposals from the bidders were noted, and the city's plans will be included in the DB InfraGo planning documents.

In the Mobility Concept for the Southern District, a parking demand of 175–250 spaces was identified. Offenburg is focusing on the shared use of parking spaces to use resources efficiently.

Kindergarten Planning and Youth Participation: Outlook for 2030

The Committee for Education, Social Affairs, and Sports made important decisions regarding kindergarten planning. Due to demographic developments, the construction of the Creative Kindergarten in the CANVAS+ area and the expansion of the Waltersweier Kindergarten are planned only after 2030. These measures are already included in the Double Budget 2026/2027.

The closure of the branch of the Kittelgasse Kindergarten is planned for August 2027. The accommodation of the children in other facilities is secured. In addition, the report on local youth work and youth participation were noted. Future priorities include digital offerings and the identification of interests of the younger generation.

Seniors, Climate Adaptation, and Digital Offerings

The Seniors’ Council has intensively discussed climate adaptation. It was decided to create a leaflet on heat and climate adaptation in cooperation with urban development. The leaflet also lists publicly accessible toilets in the city center to make daily life easier for older people.

In addition, the digital application for the Senior Pass will be introduced. An information session is planned for 26.02.2026. In the June meeting, Digital Manager Dr. König will explain the digital application in detail.

Outlook for March 2026

In March 2026, the second discussion in the Municipal Council on several projects is scheduled – including kindergarten planning, the Union Bridge, and transportation development. In addition, further planning competitions and climate protection measures are in progress. Offenburg continues to look forward to a climate-friendly, traffic-safe, and child-friendly future.