Bochum in Focus – Monthly Report February 2026

What was important this month

• Childcare becomes stronger and more flexible: Bochum is increasing flexibility in daycare and securing rent allowances to ensure operational stability.
• Culture creates connections: The city of Bochum is expanding its art collection with 68 works by the artist Bruno Heller.
• Mobility for all: A new two-lane cycle path on Wittener Straße is being implemented to relieve cyclists.
• Finances and committees: There were decisions regarding the abolition of the dog tax, committee reassignments, and the financing of the care planning.
• Climate neutrality remains a topic: Although the expansion of the cycling infrastructure is climate-neutral, the city remains sensitive to ecological impacts in other projects.
• Health and care: The care planning has been updated, and the city is participating in statewide NRW projects to combat social fraud.

Children, Youth and Family: More flexibility in care

The Committee for Children, Youth and Family (JHA) has taken decisive steps to stabilize and make childcare more flexible. Two models for adjusting the staff ratio have been established to ensure care quality even with fluctuating group sizes. Additionally, it was ensured that rent allowances will not be reduced in the case of group absences exceeding 25 percent. This is an important signal for daycare directors who can now rely on stable finances.

For the kindergarten year 2026/2027, 1,850 childcare places in child daycare have been approved, with up to 550 daycare providers eligible for subsidies under § 22 KiBiz. The city also plans to integrate playgrounds into the official Bochum app to better inform and guide parents.

Culture and Tourism: New artworks for Bochum

The Committee for Culture and Tourism accepted the donation of 68 artworks by the artist Bruno Heller. The works, mainly on paper, will be incorporated into the Bochum Art Museum's collection. The donation has a total value of approximately 138,600 euros and is being transferred by Barbara Heller Weber from Männedorf (CH) on behalf of the heirs. Urs Heller from Port Jefferson (USA) has given his consent.

The donation is made under § 71 GO NRW and § 9 Abs. 2 of the City of Bochum's Rules of Procedure. No additional financial obligations arise, except for the usual museum storage and conservation care. The artwork documentation is managed by art historian Johanna Wirth Calvo and can be viewed online at www.brunoheller.ch.

Mobility: Cycle path development on Wittener Straße

The Committee for Mobility, Digitalization and Infrastructure decided on the construction of a new two-lane cycle path on Wittener Straße between Alte Wittener Straße and Ümminger Straße. The project includes 1,360 meters of cycle path area (3,220 m²) and costs a total of 3,690,804.65 euros. Up to 75 percent of the costs will be covered by grants, making the realization financially attractive.

The climate impact of the project has been assessed as neutral. It is explained that the project has little climate relevance as it does not consume significant resources and has no impact on the urban climate. Surface sealing is largely avoided, and the transportation infrastructure is adapted to changing temperatures and precipitation.

Finances and Committees: New structures and decisions

In the Council of the City of Bochum, several important committee reassignments were decided. For example, the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration was newly assigned, and the advisory board of the Bochum Prison (JVA Bochum) was restructured. One of the biggest decisions was the abolition of the dog tax in Bochum, which indicates a clear signal towards more citizen-friendliness.

In the financial area, the management of the special property development fund of Bochum was released for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The audited annual report 2023 closes with an annual deficit of -177,532.60 EUR, which is expected to be offset against the general reserve.

Health and Care: Planning for the future

The Committee for Work, Health and Social Affairs passed the city's non-binding care plan. According to this, currently 26,850 people in need of care live in Bochum, a number expected to rise by 13 percent to 30,300 by 2049. The city plans to expand home care and establish service apartments and supervised shared housing in all districts. In addition, the city will participate in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia's "Missimo" project to combat social fraud.

Overview and Outlook

February 2026 was marked by concrete decisions in the areas of childcare, culture, mobility, and finances. The city of Bochum is relying on flexibility and long-term planning – whether it is in the expansion of care places or in the development of a climate-friendly cycling infrastructure. At the same time, Bochum remains sensitive to social and financial challenges, such as the abolition of the dog tax or participation in projects to combat social fraud.

In March 2026, further topics such as the implementation of the "Urban Tree Concept" or the expansion of photovoltaic systems will come to the forefront. In addition, further decisions on care planning and integration can be expected.

Final Conclusion with Outlook

February 2026 shows that Bochum is moving and acting on several levels – from strengthening childcare to cultural expansions and investments in sustainable infrastructure. The city remains citizen-oriented and transparent, even if not every decision is shared by all. March will be exciting to see how the planned projects and initiatives can be concretely implemented – and what new topics will concern the city community.