Göttingen in February 2026: Culture, Finance, and Social Affairs in Focus

Culture and Investments in the Spotlight

What Was Important This Month

• Renovation of the Deutsche Theater: With a total volume of €167.7 million, the comprehensive renovation will be carried out in three phases.
• New Raumbühne: The Raumbühne is being built at Theaterplatz 11, and the workshops will move to the GVZ Halle.
• 2026 Financial Plan: The supplementary budget was increased to finance investments.
• Integration of Refugees: The goal is to place 170 people annually in private housing.

Culture and Theater: Investments for the Future

The renovation of the Deutsche Theater is the central cultural project of the month. With a total budget of €167.7 million, the renovation will be carried out in three phases, with the first phase already funded by €25.567 million and €9 million from the municipal budget. A renovation advisory board has been established to ensure transparency. At the same time, a new Raumbühne is being built at Theaterplatz 11, while the workshops will be relocated to the GVZ Halle. The entire renovation is estimated to take between eight and ten years, with each phase requiring political approval.

Finance and Economy: Stability in Focus

The 2026 financial plan was adjusted to secure investments. The supplementary budget was increased from €61.4 million to €65.26 million, with commitment authorizations rising to €113.57 million. In addition, the financial security concept for 2026–2029 was continued to ensure long-term financial stability. A hospitality tax was decided to generate additional revenue. However, business tax revenues were €24.2 million below plan, reflecting challenges in the economy.

Housing and Social Affairs: Integration and Security

In the area of housing and social affairs, topics such as integration and security were in the foreground. The misuse regulation will be renewed in 2026–2027, as implementation has not been consistent due to staffing issues. An additional employee is planned for 2027. At the same time, the integration of refugees is being advanced, with the goal of placing 170 people annually in private housing. A monitoring system for drugs and addiction is being evaluated, including wastewater analysis.

Climate and Environment: Sustainability as a Priority

In the climate and environment area, reserves for renovation risks were planned, with €47.156 million allocated for unexpected costs. In addition, the youth parliament is planning a new climate project, which does not yet have specific details, but will focus on sustainability.

Local Initiatives and Projects

Local initiatives such as the construction of pergolas along the Burggraben in Elliehausen/Esebeck were approved. In addition, the volunteer fire departments of Elliehausen and Esebeck organized the Easter fire of 2026 with financial support from the local council. Grants for projects such as the Kinderfeuerwehr Esebeck and the Betzhold Outdoor-Krippenküche were also approved.

Looking Beyond the Local: Culture, Finance, and Social Affairs

The decisions of February show how closely culture, finance, and social affairs are interlinked. Investments in the cultural sector are not only artistically significant but also economically relevant. At the same time, financial stability and social security are essential to achieve long-term housing and social policy goals. The integration of refugees and the provision of housing options are central issues that will remain in focus in the coming months.

Outlook

March 2026 is expected to be shaped by the implementation of the approved projects. The renovation of the Deutsche Theater will enter the first planning phase, and the financial security concept will be further developed. At the same time, the integration of refugees will be accelerated, and new social initiatives will be launched. Citizens are invited to remain active and participate in discussions and projects.