Cultural Strategy and Participation: How Coburg Shapes Its Cultural Future in April 2026

Cultural Strategy as a Central Milestone

April 2026 marks a milestone in the cultural development of the city of Coburg. During the public session of the City Council on April 23, 2026, the new Cultural Strategy Concept was presented. The project was developed within a participatory process with broad citizen involvement – through surveys, workshops, and the Coburg Cultural Strategy Advisory Board with 35 members.

The Cultural Strategy identifies six action areas and defines concrete measures. A central component is the Starter Kit with four measures, including the reorganization of the Cultural Department into the "Culture Office," the strengthening of "Third Places," and the introduction of a thematic annual campaign.

Financially, the project is supported by external sponsors such as the Niederfüllbacher Foundation and the LEADER program. The city contributes a share of 14,216 euros. To ensure implementation, the administration is tasked with developing a funding plan and structures such as a monitoring system.

Participation and Democratic Inclusion

In addition to the Cultural Strategy, Coburg is also active in democratic participation in April 2026. The city introduces a new Citizen Budget (Coburg Budget), inspired by the model from Munich. Citizens aged 14 and older can directly decide on the use of 100,000 euros per year – a pilot project to be evaluated after three years.

The Coburg Budget is part of the "Green Deal Coburg 2030" and aims to promote ecological sustainability and social justice. The projects must fall within the city's area of responsibility, not cause ongoing follow-up costs, and be in line with the Green Deal. The voting takes place via the digital participation platform mitmachen.coburg.de.

Additionally, the city plans a pilot project for waste separation in the pedestrian zone, aiming to improve the separation of packaging, paper, and residual waste in public spaces. The goal is to protect resources and optimize the environmental footprint.

Structural Changes in Cultural and Citizen Participation

In April 2026, the structure of cultural and citizen participation will also be restructured. The previous Cultural Officer will no longer be appointed on a voluntary basis, but the position will in the future be integrated content-wise into the Cultural and School Council. Instead, a new voluntary Senior Advisory Board will be established, which is intended to place the concerns of older residents of Coburg more clearly in the focus.

The Senior Advisory Board consists of 14 members, including City Council members, representatives of associations, and Coburg residents aged 60 and over. The board’s recommendations are to be addressed by the administration within a reasonable timeframe. In addition, a Twinning Partnership Report will be presented, summarizing the activities of the Coburg e.V. association in 2025 and outlining future plans, including trips, lectures, and increased engagement in the intercultural week.

Outlook: Culture and Participation as Central Pillars

April 2026 shows that Coburg is consciously setting a long-term course for cultural and democratic development. The Cultural Strategy, the Citizen Budget, and the new participation structures are not only instruments for strengthening the city's identity, but also a sign of trust in the creativity and initiative of its citizens.

The challenge will be to establish the new structures sustainably and to integrate participation into everyday life. If Coburg remains successful in this, it could become a model for other municipalities in Thuringia and Upper Franconia – not only in culture, but also in the democratic shaping of the future.