Bochum in March 2026: Budget Planning, Investments, and Financing in Focus

Budget Planning: Zero-Based Budgeting Rejected, but Long-Term Planning Secured

In March 2026, the city of Bochum engaged in an in-depth discussion about the future of its budget planning. Although the Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) model was proposed, the city ultimately decided against it. The main reason was the high administrative burden that a completely new budgeting model would entail. In addition, an existing multi-stage budget planning process is considered sufficient.

Nevertheless, the city did not remain stagnant. It was decided to review the budget every three to four years according to ZBB principles. This compromise aims to ensure long-term flexibility and efficiency in the budget without disproportionately increasing administrative effort.

In addition, the budget draft for 2026 and the planning for the following years was presented. The city plans to make investments and revenues more transparent in order to remain financially stable in the long term.

Grants and Investments: 200 Million Euros for Infrastructure

The city of Bochum is in a favorable position in the grant landscape. Under the North Rhine-Westphalia Infrastructure Act, Bochum will receive 200.42 million euros in lump-sum grants until 2042. These funds are distributed across various areas:

• 50% (100.21 million EUR) for educational and childcare infrastructure
• 20% (40.08 million EUR) for the renovation of municipal properties
• 30% (60.13 million EUR) for traffic, digitization, sport, and security

These funds also complement further grants amounting to 2.7 billion EUR through special programs. The city plans to use most of these funds for specific projects, including:

• 10.85 million EUR for the construction of the new fire station in Heide
• 5.6 million EUR for digitization measures
• 6.4 million EUR for the creation of KuRa (cooperative childcare) places at sports facilities
• 2.35 million EUR for crisis management

These investments show how Bochum is securing its financial foundation for the future. At the same time, the city remains transparent: For example, the Bochum Fund—a project that provides 1 euro per inhabitant annually for civic initiatives—will be further expanded. A decision-making body, which is also under critical observation, has been established for this purpose.

Financial Situation of the Special Fund for Real Estate Development: Decline in Liquidity

In March 2026, the annual report of the Special Fund for Real Estate Development 2024 was also in focus. The total balance sheet amounted to 29.584 million EUR, a slight decline compared to the previous year. Concerning is the decline in liquid assets from 14.274 million EUR to 6.897 million EUR. The annual deficit was 319,307 EUR, indicating a strained financial situation.

The city finances the special fund through equity financing, grants, and real estate sales. In 2023, 5.718 million EUR was invested—primarily in the purchase of occupied properties and the acquisition of companies. Liabilities remained low, underscoring the financial stability of the institution.

Outlook and Challenges

Financial planning in Bochum is characterized by ambition and caution. On the one hand, the city is investing wisely and planning long-term, but on the other hand, the corporate tax policy remains unclear. Concrete tax reforms were not decided upon in March 2026, but the discussion around the largest corporate taxpayers remains intriguing.

In addition, the climate impact of financial decisions is receiving increased attention. For example, a climate check was conducted for open-air shopping Sundays. Although the climate-relevant impacts were assessed as low, it is clear that climate protection and financial planning are becoming increasingly intertwined.

The challenge for Bochum is to maintain this balance between investments, transparency, and long-term stability. With an investment program of 2.2 billion EUR planned for the years 2025 to 2029, the city has a clear goal in sight—financially as well as politically.