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Bochum in Focus – Monthly Review of May and June 2026

Governance and Administration Healthcare and Public Health Education and Public Facilities Culture and Community Economic Development 📍 Bochum · Nordrhein-Westfalen
Bochum in Focus – Monthly Review of May and June 2026

A wide range of decisions and projects have further developed Bochum in the months of May and June 2026. From care planning to cultural policy – here is a compact overview.

Citizen-Relevant Decisions at a Glance

  • Renewal of the Advisory Board for Equality and Diversity: Nine new secretaries and a new chairperson elected.
  • Renovation of August-Bebel-Platz: Unanimously approved, Cost: 16 million euros.
  • Funding for Cultural Projects: Bochum-Süd receives 22,785.45 euros for local cultural activities.
  • New Fee Regulation for the Music School: Discounts for certain tariff positions starting August 2026.
  • Barbecue Ban at See Ümminger: Discussed and adopted in several districts.
  • Building Plan for Sportpark Feldmark: Adopted in Bochum-Ost.

Care Planning and Demographics: Bochum Looks to the Future

In June 2026, the city of Bochum unanimously approved the municipal care plan 2024. The basis is demographic development: 29% of the population are over 60 years of age, and the number of people in need of care is expected to rise to 30,300 by 2049. The plan focuses on "home care before inpatient care" and provides for the expansion of home and part-time inpatient care services.

The current situation in Bochum shows that there are 3,701 inpatient and 397 day care places. The plan proposes the expansion of service flats and short-term care places. The legal basis for the decision is § 7 and § 4 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Care Laws.

Cultural Policy and Funding: Bochum Remains Creative

Important decisions were made in the Committee for Culture and Tourism. The music festival "Bochum Total 2026" received a grant of 25,000 euros. The amendment proposal by the AfD was rejected. In addition, the committee decided on the sale of shares in ecce GmbH to Dortmund.

Another focus was the new fee regulation for the music school, which comes into effect from 1 August 2026. It provides for a 70% discount for certain tariff positions and a 100% discount for the Bochum model. The regulation is enshrined in § 31 of the Rules of Procedure.

Urban Development and Infrastructure: Investments for the Future

The renovation of August-Bebel-Platz is a central project in Bochum's urban development. With a total cost of 16 million euros and 15.04 million euros in funding, the renovation is a milestone for the cityscape. The project will be implemented by 2027.

In addition, the building plan 1027 for Sportpark Feldmark was adopted in Bochum-Ost. In Wattenscheid, the original plan for August-Bebel-Platz was rejected, and a new plan is in the works.

Further investments include the renovation of floodlights at the Police and Protection Dog Sports Association and sewer repairs in various districts.

Comprehensive Trends and Challenges

Two central developments shape the political debates in Bochum: demographic development and the increasing demands for more inclusion and equality. The municipal care plan shows how the city is responding to the aging population, while the Advisory Board for Equality and Diversity is creating new structures to strengthen diversity and equal opportunities.

It also becomes clear that the expansion of municipal infrastructure – especially in the districts – will be a priority. Whether in the area of public transport or the renovation of playgrounds – Bochum is investing in a livable future.

Previous Developments

In January 2026, the focus in Bochum was on urban development, financial stability and digitization. With the new residential area Rechener Park West, membership in the GovTech Municipal Association and the application for Olympic Games, the city set impulses for growth and modernization. In January 2026, the focus in Bochum was on urban development, financial stability and digitization

Conclusion and Outlook

The months of May and June 2026 were marked in Bochum by concrete decisions and investments in the future of the city. From care planning through cultural policy to urban development – Bochum shows that it is ready to accept challenges and develop solutions.

In the outlook, the implementation of the renovation of August-Bebel-Platz and the implementation of the new fee regulations in the music school can be expected. In addition, the Advisory Board for Equality and Diversity will implement concrete projects in the coming months. Bochum remains in motion – for everyone.

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