Potsdam Monthly Blog: Finances, Urban Development, and Culture in Focus

Financial Policy and Budget Planning: Security for the Future

February 2026 was marked in Potsdam by decisive steps in budget planning and financial restructuring. With a total budget of 176.5 million euros, the 2026 budget was presented, aiming for long-term financial balance. A voluntary budget consolidation program 2026–2029 with twelve measures was adopted, to be monitored annually.

In addition, the city will increase music school fees, expected to generate additional revenues of 10–15 % in the coming years. At the same time, the financial contribution to the Brandenburg Society for Culture and History will end with the 2026 fiscal year. Revenues from wind and solar installations will now flow 75 % to the respective district and 25 % to rural projects – a clear response to energy democracy and local value creation.

Urban Development and Construction: Security for Social Infrastructure

The urban development priorities in February show a clear focus on social and care infrastructure. Potsdam plans to establish a land pool for care facilities to ensure long-term planning security. At least 4,000 m² of space per facility is planned to meet the growing demand for care services.

In addition, a Social Preservation Ordinance has been adopted for the districts "Babelsberg Nord" and "Baroque City Extension" to stabilize the social housing fund. The repurposing of the kindergarten "Wilde Früchtchen" into student housing is being evaluated – another step toward flexible use of municipal real estate. The Zoning Plan Amendment "Nördlich In der Feldmark" is in the preliminary discussion phase, which will be significant for future building plans.

Culture and Education: New Projects and Remembrance Culture

Culturally, there were several impulses in February 2026. The pilot project "Art on the Box" started in Babelsberg Nord, allowing young people to artistically design electricity boxes. Another highlight is the relocation of the memorial stone for Paul Kühne to a municipal green space, to strengthen the city's culture of remembrance.

The music school is increasing its fees, but at the same time discounts for socially disadvantaged families are being expanded. The Natural History Museum will conduct an inventory for environmental education – a step toward more education in nature.

What was important this month

• The 2026 budget with 176.5 million euros was adopted.
• Music school fees are rising, discounts are being expanded.
• Land pool for care facilities ensures long-term planning security.
• Social preservation ordinances for Babelsberg Nord and Baroque City Extension.
• Pilot project "Art on the Box" starts in Babelsberg Nord.
• Memorial stone for Paul Kühne will be relocated.

Social Integration and Housing Control: More Transparency Required

In the field of social policy and inclusion, clear decisions were made. The Poverty and Wealth Report will appear every five years starting in 2027 to make social inequality in Potsdam more transparent. The Social Card following the Greifswald model has been adopted to provide low-income citizens with greater access to education, culture, and sports.

In addition, the administration is tasked with stronger control of vacation rental offers on online platforms, to increase housing market transparency. A report is due by Q2/2027 – a step toward better housing management.

Mobility and Climate: Sustainability in Focus

In the area of mobility and climate, Potsdam remains on course. The Design Guidelines for Special Use on Public Streets are in effect, and the 2026 Bicycle Traffic Plan will be further developed. The Bicycle Street Eichenallee is another project to be implemented in the coming months.

In the climate protection area, a review of the application of carbon-based PV systems on municipal buildings is being conducted. An interim report is planned for March 2026, the final results by Summer 2026 – a clear step toward sustainability in municipal energy policy.

Administration and Modernization: Efficiency and Training

The administration is on a modernization course. A review project on unnecessary tasks (so-called "bullshit jobs") in department 9 was initiated. In addition, a municipal training initiative will be expanded by 2030, with the aim of permanent appointments.

The digitalization of the town hall and increasing the efficiency of the administration were central to several committees. The rules of procedure of the City Council were revised to speed up meetings and strengthen the democratic majority principle.

Outlook and Summary

February 2026 was a month of clear decisions in the areas of finances, urban development, and culture in Potsdam. The city is focusing on long-term planning security, social justice, and sustainability. At the same time, the administration is being modernized to become more efficient and transparent.

In the coming months, more reports and evaluation positions are expected – especially in the areas of climate protection, social card, and vacation rental monitoring. Potsdam continues to move toward a future-oriented, inclusive, and sustainable city.