Monthly Report: Bad Münstereifel Focuses on Sustainability, Remembrance Culture, and Infrastructure

Remembrance Culture and Sports Infrastructure in Focus

What Was Important This Month

• Stumbling Stones for All Victims of the Nazi Regime: The Education and Social Affairs Committee unanimously decided to lay stumbling stones for victims of National Socialism, including survivors. Starting in 2027, an annual budget of 250 euros is planned.

• Artificial Turf Replaces Flooded Area: Following the flooding, the committee unanimously (with one dissenting vote) decided to rebuild the sports field in Bad Münstereifel as an artificial turf field. The costs amount to approximately 450,000 euros.

• Traffic Safety in the City Center: The Committee for Environment, Tourism, and Mobility approved a traffic and safety concept for the city center. A working group will be established to jointly plan measures.

• E-bike Rental Remains a Future Topic for Now: Due to financial constraints and existing private offers, an e-bike rental system was not approved. Instead, discussions with bicycle dealers will be initiated.

• New Primary School Construction in Wooden Structure: The new primary school in the city center will be relocated to the alternative site Schleidtalstraße and planned in a wooden structure, with 64% of the costs covered by grants.

• Annual Settlement of the Forestry Business Confirms Stability: The forestry business generated a balance sheet profit of over 3.4 million euros in 2024. The new mayor will take office on November 1, 2025.

Remembrance Culture and Stumbling Stones: A Step into the Future

The decision to lay stumbling stones for all victims of the Nazi regime represents a significant step toward an inclusive remembrance culture. The committee decided to initially use donation-based financing to implement pilot projects. Starting in 2027, the city administration will financially support the laying of the stones. This shows that Bad Münstereifel not only acts historically sensitively but also plans in a citizen-oriented way.

Sports and Leisure Infrastructure: Rebuilding After the Natural Disaster

The sports field in Bad Münstereifel was decided to be rebuilt as an artificial turf field after the flooding. The reconstruction costs amount to approximately 400,000 euros, with an additional 50,000 euros for planning costs. This decision underlines the prioritization of sports and leisure offerings, especially in light of the effects of extreme weather events.

In addition, a motion was accepted to review the usage fees for indoor facilities in order to provide financial relief for non-profit associations. This shows that the city also considers social and financial aspects in leisure policy.

Traffic and Mobility: Safety and Planning

The Committee for Environment, Tourism, and Mobility approved a traffic and safety concept for the city center. A working group will be established to jointly plan measures with politicians, residents, and business owners. This approach emphasizes the importance of citizen-oriented planning in urban development.

An e-bike rental system was not approved due to financial constraints and existing private offers. Instead, discussions with bicycle dealers will be initiated to explore discounts for spa card holders. This shows that the city also favors practical solutions when political visions are not financially feasible.

Urban Development: From the School to the Municipal Workshop

The new primary school in the city center will be relocated to the alternative site Schleidtalstraße and planned in a wooden structure. 64% of the costs will be covered by grants, showing that the city also pursues citizen-oriented and ecological solutions for major investments.

In addition, an integrated urban development and action plan (ISEK) was continued, covering projects such as the renewal of the Wehrgang and the utilization of the Werther Tor. The planning and implementation of the fire department equipment house and the development of a concept for the municipal workshop were also addressed as central topics.

Finance and Economy: Stability and Future-Oriented Planning

The forestry business generated a balance sheet profit of over 3.4 million euros in 2024. The equity capital amounted to 26.9 million euros, with an equity ratio of 88.9%. These figures show that the financial situation remains stable and the city is able to plan for the long term.

In addition, the economic plan for 2026 for the water and sewage business branch was approved. The total revenue amounted to 9.1 million euros. The city utilities also planned the replacement procurement of the phosphorus precipitation at the wastewater treatment plants Houverath and Buchholzbach.

Cross-Topic: Sustainability and Citizen-Oriented Politics

An overarching theme of the month was the strengthening of sustainability. This concerned not only remembrance culture and climate protection, but also the planning of sports and leisure infrastructure as well as financial planning. The decisions show that Bad Münstereifel pursues a future-oriented, citizen-oriented policy that takes into account both ecological and social aspects.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 was marked by decisions that will have a lasting impact on the future of the city of Bad Münstereifel. From remembrance culture through sports and leisure infrastructure to traffic safety and financial planning – the city is setting impulses that are both citizen-oriented and sustainable.

In April, the city will focus on the finalization of the flood protection concept, which will be approved at the council meeting on May 19, 2026. In addition, discussions on the possible new construction of the primary school will continue, and the city utilities are planning investments in the water and sewage infrastructure.