Offenburg in March 2026 – Urban Development in Focus

Offenburg is Building the Future – Urban Development, Education, and Culture in March 2026

What Was Important This Month

• Overnight Stay Tax Approved: The Municipal Council approved the overnight stay tax to take effect from July 1, 2026.
• New Name for the Bürgerpark: The park will henceforth be called the "Wolfgang-Schäuble-Park."
• Expansion of Full-Day Schools: Three primary schools will be expanded into full-day schools.
• New Heating Plant at the School Campus: A CO₂ heat pump will be installed to reduce energy costs.
• Urban Development Project in Bohlsbach: The housing area "In den Matten II" is taking shape.
• State Garden Show 2032 Launched: Offenburg has signed the agreement with the state.

Urban Planning and Construction: From Bauturbo to SEM

In March 2026, several urban development projects were in focus. The Planning and Environment Committee approved the preparation of a Städtebauliche Entwicklungsmaßnahme (SEM) for the housing area "In den Matten II" in Bohlsbach. The goal is to obtain consent from all property owners for land sale by June 30, 2026. If this fails, an SEM will be implemented.

The city has already convinced 25 of 31 owner associations (73% of the area) to participate in the land consolidation and sale of 25% of the land area. A total of 200–250 residential units are planned, including 10% subsidized housing, 20% affordable housing, and 70% free-market housing. The architectural diversity is balanced: 50% apartment buildings and 50% twin and row houses.

Additionally, the new "Bauturbo" regulation under § 246e BauGB was applied to accelerate construction processes. The administration will evaluate how this regulation performs in practice by 2027.

Education and Infrastructure: Schools and Full-Day Schools

In the field of education, several important decisions were made. The Municipal Council approved the renovation and expansion of the primary schools in Fessenbach and Griesheim, as well as the Educational Center Zunsweier into full-day schools. These measures aim to strengthen the educational infrastructure and provide more childcare options for parents.

Additionally, the construction of a heating plant at the school campus in Zell-Weierbach was approved. The central CO₂ heat pump will be part of a campus-wide district heating network and is both economically viable and eligible for funding. The total cost amounts to 1,800,000.00 €, with 195,000.00 € covered by subsidies.

Finance and Culture: Double Budget and Memorial Site

The Double Budget 2026/2027 was approved in its revised version unchanged, securing the financial planning for investments and ongoing projects.

In cultural matters as well, decisions were made: The Bürgerpark will henceforth be called the "Wolfgang-Schäuble-Park". The administration is tasked with planning a memorial site for Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble.

Further Projects: State Garden Show, Renovations, and Security

Offenburg has also positioned itself for the State Garden Show 2032. The Municipal Council unanimously approved the public-law agreement with the state. This project will play a central role in the coming years.

Additionally, renovation measures for several buildings were approved: The Old Slaughterhouse (Canvas22) and the Old Switching Station (LAB22) will be renovated and put back into use. The Max-Wenk-Staircase will also be renovated.

In the area of Public Safety, the Municipal Council tasked the administration with preparing measures such as video surveillance at the train station square and the evaluation of a drug consumption room by 2027.

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Overview of Central Developments

The decisions made in March 2026 show a city actively shaping its future. Offenburg is investing in education, infrastructure, and culture, while also focusing on sustainable urban planning and energy efficiency. The introduction of the overnight stay tax is another step toward securing tourism revenue and creating financial flexibility for investments.

At the same time, Offenburg remains active in cultural memory work. With the Wolfgang-Schäuble-Park, another memorial site is being created, which strengthens local identity.

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Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 was a month of many concrete decisions in Offenburg that will shape urban development sustainably. From urban planning through education to culture – Offenburg shows that it is actively working for its citizens and its future.

In April, the expansion of district heating and climate protection projects will be in the foreground. Additionally, the planning for the State Garden Show 2032 will be intensified. Citizens can look forward to a series of new projects and discussions that will shape the future of the city.