Economic Course Corrections in Cottbus – March 2026 in Focus

Economic Impulses in Cottbus: March 2026 in Retrospect

The city of Cottbus has positioned itself in recent years as a dynamic business location – and that remains the case in March 2026. With a broad range of measures including investments, partnerships, and reforms, the city is pursuing a sustainable economic development that takes both structural and ecological aspects into account. Particular focus in this month was on the further development of the Economic Action Plan, the introduction of the BauTurbo Act, and the implementation of a bicycle leasing model within the city administration.

Economic Action Plan: From Idea to Practice

In March 2026, a key focus was on the further development of the Economic Action Plan, which in its second edition underwent important adjustments. The city, for example, removed the measure for a database of master's and thesis papers and instead strengthened the focus on the promotion, takeover, and expansion of medical practices. This approach underlines the strategy to strengthen the local economic structure through targeted measures – particularly in areas with high employment potential.

In addition, the structure of the Economic Action Plan was improved to increase the transparency of the measures. Nevertheless, the accountability of these measures remains an issue that is not yet fully clarified. The city continues to work closely with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in the Net Zero Valley (NZV) project to advance de-bureaucratisation measures that will make the business location Cottbus even more attractive.

BauTurbo Act: Acceleration in the Housing Construction Process

Another milestone was the discussion and the preliminary decision on the application of the BauTurbo Act. This law aims to accelerate the housing construction process through shorter procedural times and an informal public participation process. The SPD faction succeeded in passing a time-limited preliminary decision with the option of extension after one year. In addition, it was proposed to shorten the decision-making period to a quarter in order to further accelerate the implementation of the reforms.

The introduction of this law is part of a comprehensive strategy to stabilise the housing market in Cottbus while simultaneously alleviating the burden on investors and tenants. The city hopes that these measures will accelerate the urgently needed new construction and thus alleviate the current housing shortage.

Bicycle Leasing Model: Sustainability Meets Personnel Policy

In March 2026, the city council unanimously decided to introduce a bicycle leasing model in the city administration. This model is part of a comprehensive personnel policy aiming to increase sustainability, health, and the attractiveness of the employer. The decision is based on a clear cost-benefit analysis: with a salary conversion of 100 euros per month and 120 employees, annual savings of 28,800 euros are generated. These savings also cover the estimated personnel costs of about 3,100 euros.

The implementation of the model is not only financially attractive but also legally secure. The Cottbus Stadtwerke GmbH, as the operator of the model, are bound by the neutrality requirement. In addition, risks such as unpaid leasing rates are covered by insurance. A public pre-consultation in the Committee for Economy, Participation, and Structural Development on 10.03.2026 underscored transparency and participation in the decision-making process.

Outlook: Cottbus as a Business Location in Motion

The decisions of March 2026 show that Cottbus is actively shaping the future of its economy. With the Economic Action Plan, the BauTurbo Act, and the bicycle leasing model, the city is relying on innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. The collaborations with partners such as the IHK, EGC, and LWG also show that Cottbus is not acting in isolation, but is thinking in a network.

In the coming months, it is expected that these measures will take effect. The implementation of the BauTurbo Act could relieve the housing market, the Economic Action Plan could provide new impulses for the local economy, and the bicycle leasing model could contribute to the city's attractiveness as an employer.