Wolfburg's Youth Policy in March 2026: Investments in Daycare Centers, Digital Future, and Youth Participation

Wolfburg Invests in the Future-Readiness of Youth Policy

In mid-March 2026, the Youth Welfare Committee of the City of Wolfburg met to discuss central topics of youth policy. Among other issues, the meeting addressed measures for the renovation and renewal of municipal daycare centers (Kitas), developments in integration support for children under 18, and strategies for strengthening youth participation. The discussions reflect a clear trend: Wolfburg aims to secure the future-readiness of its youth policy—through investments in infrastructure, digital processes, and a stronger inclusion of young people in political decision-making.

Renovations and New Construction in Kitas: An Investment in the Future

A central topic of the committee meeting was the report on the structural condition of the city's daycare centers. As the building owner, Wolfburg is responsible for several Kitas, many of which urgently require renovations or even replacement construction. In some Kitas, roof repairs, window and façade renovations, and structural adaptations to meet pedagogical needs are planned. Other facilities have a remaining useful life of only 5–10 years, making replacement a consideration.

The city has submitted funding applications to help reduce the costs of these measures. At the same time, it is examining whether future additions or expansions will be necessary to meet the increasing demand for childcare places. These investments are not only a matter of structural safety but also a signal of the stability and quality of early childhood education in Wolfburg.

Integration Support for Under 18: Staffing, Budgets, and Digital Future

Another important topic was the report on integration support for children under 18. The number of cases rose to 970 in 2025, with a focus on school accompaniment, autism therapy, and outpatient/inpatient support. Transfer payments increased by 11.6 percent to 29.19 million euros. Integration support was transferred to the Youth Department on August 1, 2025, and since then, Erika Plaß has been the new department head.

In the future, digital processes and systems will be further developed to increase efficiency and transparency. At the same time, work is underway to clarify interfaces and stabilize carrier structures. These measures aim not only to ensure the quality of support but also to stabilize costs—a challenge that is gaining in importance amid rising demand.

Youth Participation: From the Commission to Social Media

The Children and Youth Commission was another focal point discussed in the meeting. The aim is to strengthen the reach and relevance of the commission. This includes, among other things, a stronger presence on social media, the inclusion of political topics through faction reports and visits to local councils, and increasing visibility in the Youth Welfare Committee through commission proposals.

New young experts were elected to develop measures for strengthening the commission. The youth center "Haltestelle" at the central bus station was presented, and there were discussions on the establishment of child representatives in local councils as well as the "Child-Friendly Community" certification. These steps show how Wolfburg wants to anchor youth participation not only at the political level but also in the everyday lives of young people.

Outlook: A City Investing in the Future

The decisions and reports of the Youth Welfare Committee in March 2026 underline that Wolfburg is a city that actively invests in the future of its youngest citizens. Whether through structural renovations, digital processes, or the stronger inclusion of young people in political decisions, the city shows itself open to innovation and responsibility. The coming months will show how these strategies perform in practice and whether they lead to a sustainable strengthening of youth policy.