Cottbus April 2026 – Monthly Review: Transport, Housing, and Integration in Focus

Future of Mobility and Clean Air

In April 2026, Cottbus took a decisive step towards climate-friendly mobility. Cottbusverkehr GmbH decided to draft a technology-neutral strategy paper for CO₂-neutral drive technologies in public local transport by 16 June 2026. This aligns with the Clean Vehicles Directive and the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act.

Citizen-Fokus:

• What was important this month
  • Cottbus is pursuing active climate protection measures in public transport.
  • Regular reports to the City Council are planned.
  • The transport company is becoming more transparent and environmentally friendly.

Housing and Urban Development: Stability and Investments

In April, Cottbus examined its current housing and financial situation. The Cottbus Building Company (GWC) achieved a positive annual result and plans substantial investments in housing construction for 2026. The goal is to complete two important districts by the end of the year.

Citizen-Fokus:

• What was important this month
  • The GWC generated €8.8 million in turnover.
  • The vacancy rate is at 5.3 %, but investments are increasing.
  • Districts such as Zielona-Gora-Straße and Briesmannstraße are being specified.

Integration and Social Affairs: More Participation and Transparency

Social issues were also addressed in April. The Advisory Council for Integration and Migration increased its membership to 15 and plans to publish an activity report for 2025. In addition, discussions took place on how Cottbus can engage in the state integration law.

Citizen-Fokus:

• What was important this month
  • Integration is being actively promoted.
  • Parent advisory council elections remain a topic in kindergartens.
  • Society is becoming more transparent in integration matters.

Finance and Investments: Security and the Future

The financial situation of the city and its subsidiaries remained stable. The GWC earned €68.6 million in rental income and plans to invest up to €86.8 million in housing construction for 2026. Particular attention should be paid to the planned completion of districts that are to provide more housing in the coming months.

Education and Youth Services: New Perspectives

Personnel changes were made in youth services and education. New members were appointed to the youth services committee, and there were discussions on occupancy developments and staffing requirements. In addition, changes to the operational regulations and parent contribution regulations were agreed to further optimize structures.

Integration and Participation: Working Together for More Inclusion

Cottbus is placing increasing emphasis on participation and inclusion. The Advisory Council for Integration and Migration not only changed its structure but also made plans for an activity report and comments on the state integration law. This shows that Cottbus is ready to actively engage in political debates.

Outlook: Cottbus on Course

April 2026 has shown that Cottbus is on a stable course in urban development and social issues. Investments in housing construction, the transition to clean transport technologies, and the strengthening of integration work are steps in the right direction. In the coming months, it will be interesting to see how the implementation of the approved projects progresses.