What Mattered in Augsburg in January 2026

What Was Important This Month

• Five extended shopping hours in 2026 decided: The city council set the dates for extended shopping hours, including the "Advent Opening" on 04.12.2026.
• Youth prevention and media literacy: The "Communities That Care (CTC)" concept is being further developed to more strongly integrate youth within schools and families.
• New operating regulations for the city's drainage system: The ordinance is being adapted to align with the city's new business procedures.
• Renovation of the Erhard-Wunderlich Sports Hall: The third construction phase is being planned – the focus: sanitation facilities and barrier-free development.
• Advancing digitalization in the administration: The committee for digitalization and personnel discussed process optimizations and new internship positions.

Extended Shopping Hours: Business and Citizens Benefit

In January, the city council set the extended shopping hours for 2026. The dates – including the "Spring Opening" on 27 March and the "Advent Opening" on 04 December – are spread across five weekdays and end no later than 24:00. The ordinance is limited to 2026 and may be extended after an evaluation of its success. The goal is to strengthen the local retail sector, particularly in competition with online offers. The ordinance applies to the entire city area, which presents a new opportunity, especially for peripheral districts.

Youth Prevention: What Strengthens Us – and What Doesn't?

The city is focusing on preventive youth policy, particularly in the areas of moral convictions and pro-social participation opportunities. The results of the CTC student survey 2024 show: While youth in Augsburg are generally satisfied, there are clear deficiencies in social norms and the willingness to positively engage in the community. At the same time, approval of antisocial behavior has increased significantly – among both youth and parents. To combat this, the city plans a cross-cutting radicalization prevention concept, which strengthens media literacy and promotes democratic structures.

Digitalization and Equality: New Directions in the Administration

The Committee for Digitalization, Organization, and Personnel addressed the implementation of the European Charter for Gender Equality this month. The city publicly commits to the principles of the Charter and plans an action plan, which, among other things, will focus on violence prevention. At the same time, work is being done on the digitalization of payment and order processing, to increase efficiency and transparency in the administration. Additionally, a new internship in art collections and museums has been launched to attract young professionals.

Sports and Construction: Renovations and Plans

In the Sports Committee, the renovation of the Erhard-Wunderlich Sports Hall was further advanced. The third construction phase includes the sanitation area and is part of the City Development Concept (STEK). The hall is not only an architectural landmark but also a central hub for school and community sports. In contrast, the Construction Committee decided to revoke the basic decision for the Succulent House – due to cost reasons and changed priorities. The donation funds will instead be invested in other projects.

Overview: Equality, Digitalization, and Prevention

A central trend in politics in January 2026 was the engagement with equality and social future-readiness. Whether in the Charter for Women and Men, youth prevention, or the digitalization strategy – the city is focusing on inclusion, transparency, and participation. At the same time, it becomes clear that networking and sustainability still require strengthening in many areas – particularly in youth participation.

Conclusion and Outlook

January 2026 was in Augsburg a month of strategic thinking and preparatory action. The city has set the course for greater equality, better prevention, and more modern administrative processes. What remains is the task to consistently implement these measures – and to include youth and citizens in the process. In February, it will become clear whether the planned projects will move into concrete implementation – and whether the city can turn its visions into reality.