Forstenwalde in February 2026: Urban Development, Budget and Civic Participation in Focus

Urban Development and Construction Planning Accelerated

Zoning Plans in Accelerated Procedure

In February 2026, several zoning plans were adopted in Forstenwalde to advance inner-city development. The Zoning Plan No. 132 "Rauener Kirchweg", the project-specific Zoning Plan No. 68 "Lebensmittelmarkt Triftstraße", and the simple Zoning Plan No. V "Expansion Lebensmittelmarkt Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße" were unanimously adopted in an accelerated procedure in accordance with § 13a Building Code (BauGB).

These plans aim to use existing areas more efficiently while strengthening the local economy. The development options, particularly in the Rauener Kirchweg, will provide future housing in the form of small-scale residential buildings or multi-family houses, thereby promoting social diversity in the city.

Civic Participation in the Railway Station Area

Although the motion by the DIE LINKE. faction regarding the railway station area was not decided upon, the administration was tasked with implementing specific measures. These include initiating a citizens' initiative "Unser Bahnhof," using the station as a service center, and setting up a PopUpPark. These measures demonstrate how the city is responding to civic wishes even in sensitive districts.

Budget Stabilization and Citizen Budget

Budget Stabilization Concept in Development

The 2026 budget is currently being revised. After the mayor withdrew the budget approval, a voluntary budget stabilization concept was pursued, which does not require approval by the municipal oversight authority. This concept is part of a strategy to ensure long-term financial stability, even though the legal obligation under § 68 BbgKVerf does not apply.

The interim report on the budget stabilization concept was presented in the committees, and the annual report on the implementation of the 2025 budget showed a total surplus of €4,742,118.98. Despite a negative balance from ongoing administrative activities (–€155,536.61), the city remains financially stable.

Citizen Budget 2026: Citizens' Opinions Count

In 2026, 1,858 citizens participated in the citizen budget, corresponding to a participation rate of 6.3%. Out of 24 approved proposals, 6 projects were selected and will be implemented in the coming months. The citizen budget shows that the city is open to civic impulses and includes them in its planning.

Administration and Personnel Decisions

Audit and Personnel Changes

Ms. Tordis Kruck was unanimously appointed as Auditor and will start her duties from March 1, 2026. The funding is provided from the budget allocation in the personnel section, which shows that the city is also focusing on continuity and transparency in administrative functions.

In the non-public parts of several meetings, personnel decisions were discussed, including the removal and appointment of managing directors at the Gewerbe- und Industriepark Lindenstraße GmbH and the Wohnungswirtschaft GmbH Fürstenwalde (Spree). These decisions are part of the strategic orientation of municipal companies and will have an impact on the labor market and housing in Forstenwalde in the coming months.

Street Cleaning Regulated anew

The revised Street Cleaning Ordinance and the Street Cleaning Fee Ordinance were unanimously adopted. These changes are intended to increase clarity in municipal service offerings and improve transparency in fee calculations. Citizens can therefore rely on fair and understandable regulations.

Overview: What Was Important This Month

• Accelerated Zoning Plans: Inner-city development and economic areas are in focus.
• Citizen Budget 2026: Citizens' opinions shape urban development.
• Budget Stabilization Concept: Financial stability remains the city's goal.
• New Auditor: Transparency and control are further strengthened.
• Civic Participation at the Station: Initiatives for a lively station environment launched.

Outlook and Conclusion

February 2026 has shown that Forstenwalde is making determined progress in urban development and budget planning. The accelerated construction planning, civic participation and the creation of transparency in administration are key focuses that the city will further develop in the coming months.

With the submission of a new budget draft and the implementation of the selected citizen budget projects, concrete implementation will begin in March 2026. Forstenwalde is on a course that actively shapes the city's future – with the citizens, for the citizens.