Youth Policy in Landshut: New Directions and Measures in March 2026

Youth Policy as a Central Building Block for Landshut's Future

Youth policy in Landshut is not just a peripheral issue, but a central building block for the city's long-term development. In March 2026, decisive directions were set in the Youth Welfare Committee that not only change the current care landscape but also strengthen the city's future viability. With the presentation of the second action plan for a child-friendly municipality, the adjustment of childcare guidelines, and the formulation of regulations for cooperative full-day care, Landshut shows that the interests of young people are being placed in the focus.

The Second Action Plan for a Child-Friendly Municipality

In March 2026, the Youth Welfare Committee presented the second action plan "Child-Friendly Municipality Landshut." This plan was developed in close collaboration with the Youth Advisory Board, the steering group, and partner organizations, and is based on four pillars: participation, education, safety, and quality of life. In total, the plan contains 15 concrete measures, three of which are to be implemented in cooperation with schools. Three measures from the first action plan—among them the establishment of the Office for Children and Youth and the creation of a portal for children and young people—have been carried over.

The second action plan incurs additional annual costs of approximately 4,500 euros. The goal of achieving the municipal seal "Child-Friendly Municipality" is set for no later than May 2026, with an official seal ceremony expected in July. The committee recommended that the plan be adopted by the City Council and the necessary budgetary resources be provided.

Adjustment of Guidelines for Qualified Childcare

Another focus of the March meeting was the adjustment of guidelines for qualified childcare. These adjustments were made in consideration of the current requirements of the Bavarian Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Affairs. Starting from April 1, 2026, a childcare time window from 7:00 to 20:00 will be specified, with the possibility of extended hours up to 5:00 and 22:00. This flexibility is especially valuable for parents with irregular working hours.

The city of Landshut sees qualified childcare as an important element for the care of children under three years of age. The Youth Welfare Committee unanimously approved the adjustment of the guidelines, showing that the city is ready to respond to changed legal and social requirements.

Cooperative Full-Day Care at Elementary Schools

At the beginning of the school year 2026/27, Landshut will open two new childcare facilities under municipal management at the elementary schools Nord-West and Ost. These facilities offer close integration between school and after-school care and are designed to provide full-day care for elementary school children. The committee recommended the adoption of usage and fee regulations for these facilities.

Opening hours will be Monday to Thursday until 4:30 p.m. and Friday until 4:00 p.m., with extended hours in the holidays until 4:30 p.m. Flexible booking formats such as the "after-school care until 2 p.m." and the "classic after-school care until 3:30 p.m." are intended to offer parents more flexibility. At least 15 days of care per year must be booked. Fees are aligned with those of municipal kindergartens, including provisions for sibling discounts.

This measure underlines the city's determination to expand childcare options for families while ensuring the quality of educational work.

Outlook: Youth Policy as an Investment in the Future

The decisions made in March 2026 show that Landshut is ready to actively shape youth policy issues. With the second action plan for a child-friendly municipality, the adjustment of childcare guidelines, and the opening of new childcare facilities, the city is not only focusing on short-term improvements but on the sustainable development of the living conditions of young people. These investments in the city's future not only contribute to securing demographic development but also strengthen Landshut's social and cultural identity.