Social Affairs and Housing in Pohlheim: Transparency and Youth Participation in Focus

Transparency and Future Security: Social Policy Decisions in Pohlheim, February 2026

In February 2026, the city of Pohlheim addressed two central social policy issues: on the one hand, the renovation of the public swimming pool, which has been under discussion for several years, and on the other hand, the strengthening of children's and youth participation in municipal decision-making processes through the restructuring of the Children's and Youth Advisory Board. Both topics reflect both challenges and opportunities in local social policy.

Public Swimming Pool Renovation: Between Expert Reports, Funding, and Political Tensions

The renovation of the public swimming pool in Pohlheim was a recurring topic in the Committee for Social Affairs, Culture, and Sports. The CDU faction had already submitted a motion in January 2025 and again in October 2025, which led to a public report in February 2026. Central demands included the submission of an expert report on renovation costs, clarity regarding available funding, and the presentation of existing contracts.

So far, these demands have remained largely unfulfilled. The inter-factional working group established in the course of the amendment proposal was unable to provide a clear outlook for the public swimming pool. The main cause is the absence of expert reports and unclear cost estimates, which continue to leave political actors in the dark.

The CDU faction is calling for transparency and facts. They demand a comprehensive report that outlines the previous planning steps, the financial framework, and possible alternatives to the renovation. This demand for clarity is not only politically motivated but also supported by the population, which is increasingly concerned about the prolonged standstill.

Children's and Youth Advisory Board: More Say for the Younger Generation

Another milestone in the city's social policy work was the adoption of the First Amendment Regulation to the Ordinance on the Establishment of a Children's and Youth Advisory Board. The ordinance itself was already passed in October 2025 and came into effect in November 2025. The new amendment aims to optimize the structure and selection of the advisory board's members.

In the future, two members and two deputies will be appointed from each district. Nominations will be made by children's and youth initiatives, associations, political and religious organizations, as well as schools. Interested young people can register their commitment directly at the city's Children's and Youth Office. This office compiles proposal lists that are submitted to the local advisory boards for election.

The reform is a signal for increased participation and a stronger inclusion of young people in the local political landscape. It shows that Pohlheim is ready to reflect on the current situation of youth participation and to improve procedures in order to increase the visibility and influence of the younger generation.

Future Outlook: From Standstill to Action

The political decisions of February 2026 show that Pohlheim is consciously engaging with social challenges. While the renovation of the public swimming pool is still waiting for clarity and planning security, the city has taken its first step toward greater participation and youth involvement through the reform of the Children's and Youth Advisory Board.

In the future, it will be crucial to see whether the political demands for transparency and factual clarity in the area of public swimming pool renovation are concretely implemented. At the same time, it remains to be observed how the new structure of the Children's and Youth Advisory Board proves itself in practice and whether it actually leads to greater influence and co-determination for young people.