Rüsselsheim in Focus: What Was Important in February 2026

Budget 2026: Deficits and Challenges

The 2026 budget remains a central topic in Rüsselsheim. The draft shows a deficit of 78.38 million euros, which is well above the budget security concept. At the same time, the maximum limit for liquidity loans was raised from 150 to 190 million euros – although subject to the approval of the supervisory authority. The city council has set clear conditions: loans exceeding 190 million euros require the approval of the city council assembly, and the city administration is obligated to communicate loans transparently.

Although the budget is not yet approval-ready, the city is pursuing a plan to be relieved through cost savings in the area of elementary school childcare (approximately 400,000 euros per year) and the closure of kindergartens between 2026 and 2028.

Culture and Education: Future of Palais Verna and Kindergarten Plans

In the area of culture and education, clear decisions were made. Palais Verna will be used as a music school in the future – a unanimous decision by the city council. The expansion of the vault into an event space remains postponed for now. The city administration will present a new usage and financing concept.

In the area of elementary school childcare, the "Pact for the Full Day" is being implemented at the Königstädter Grundschule. The goal is to create 180 childcare spots – currently, 267 out of 280 possible spots are already occupied. At the same time, the Kita Auerbacher Straße and later the after-school group at the Gerhart-Hauptmann School and the Kita Kohlseestraße will be closed to reduce costs.

Construction and Administration: Cemetery Management Transfer and Cycle Street

In the area of construction and administration, the transfer of cemetery management to the Städteservice Raunheim/Rüsselsheim AöR was decided. The previous inter-municipal agreement ends at the end of February 2026. In addition, a principle decision was made to establish a cycle street in the Weisenauer Straße, supported by a funding rate of 85%.

Furthermore, the "Bauturbo" program was discussed with amendment proposals – another step towards accelerating building processes in the city.

Important Decisions of February 2026

• The 2026 budget remains problematic with a deficit of 78.38 million euros – the liquidity loan limit was raised to 190 million euros.
• The Palais Verna will be used as a music school in the future; the expansion of the vault remains postponed for now.
• In the area of elementary school childcare, a full-day offer with 180 spots is being established – an investment contribution of 50,000 euros is planned for 2026.
• The Kita Auerbacher Straße will be closed, with further kindergartens to follow by 2028 – the goal is annual cost savings of 400,000 euros.
• Cemetery management will be transferred to the Städteservice AöR, and the Weisenauer Straße will get a cycle street.

Overview: Budget, Culture, Education, and Construction

February 2026 was marked by budget decisions, cultural and educational reforms, and administrative changes. The city is focusing on consolidation, cost savings, and investments in the education sector. At the same time, administrative priorities are being reallocated, such as cemetery management or the implementation of traffic projects.

A clear line is visible: Rüsselsheim wants to optimize structures, plan investments carefully, and expand social services, such as full-day offers at elementary schools. The challenge remains to stabilize the budget until approval.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 was an intense month in Rüsselsheim. The budget situation remains problematic, but the city is making clear decisions, such as the use of Palais Verna or the implementation of full-day offers at elementary schools. The consolidation of administration and the focus on education and traffic show that Rüsselsheim is on course – even though the budget is not yet approval-ready.

In March, it will be important to show progress in the budget security concept and to implement the planned cost savings. In addition, further zoning procedures and investment decisions are pending – Rüsselsheim is still facing major challenges and opportunities.