March 2026 – The Most Important Developments in Bochum's Local Politics

Redefining Municipal Responsibilities – March 2026 in Figures

What was important this month

• A revised version of the main statute was adopted to update and make more transparent the basic order of the city of Bochum.
• Municipal care planning is being expanded, particularly in the areas of home-based and part-time residential care and dementia support.
• Land throughout the city was approved for sale – in Wattenscheid, Ost, Südwest, and Nord.
• Grilling regulations in green spaces were standardized, with exceptions for particularly burdened sites.
• Pesticide-free community – an application was submitted to reduce environmental pollution from chemical substances.
• Retail opening hours on Sundays and public holidays were approved in several city districts to improve the retail climate.

Municipal Care Planning: Expanding Services

In March 2026, municipal care planning became a central topic in several committees and district councils. The Council and the Committee for Employment, Health, and Social Affairs decided to expand care services in Bochum in the long term.

In addition to the expansion of home-based and part-time residential care services, service apartments and individual short-term care will also be strengthened. Particular attention was paid to the care of people with dementia. The city has commissioned the ISG Institute to update the care plan and derive forecasts for care needs.

In the districts of Wattenscheid, Ost, and Nord, specific projects were also presented that rely on cooperation with hospitals and discharge management. In Wattenscheid, for example, a resolution against the deputy district mayor was submitted, which intensified the discussions on the quality of care planning.

Urban Development and Land Use: Sales, Allocation and Renovation

Several district councils made decisions regarding land use. In Bochum-Mitte, Ost, Südwest, and Nord, municipal plots were approved for sale – particularly in the areas of Ruhrstraße (Ost) and Herner Str. 381 (Mitte). The sales are intended to relieve the city's finances and enable use by private investors.

In addition, street allocations were approved, including the "Hofsteder Straße" access road and the Gisela-Piedboeuf-Weg as a traffic-calmed area. In Bochum-Nord, the Josef-Baumann-Straße was newly allocated, and in Wattenscheid, the Ruhrstraße (Ost) was approved for sale, among other things for single-family homes and leasehold rights.

In Wattenscheid, a contract with the Choral Association for the concert series at the open-air stage was also approved. In Nord, inquiries regarding the renovation of the Rembrandtweg were discussed, and in Ost, construction projects such as the schoolyard of the Music School were in focus.

Revised Version of the Main Statute and Changes to the Rules of Procedure

The 5th session of the Council approved the revised version of the main statute of the city of Bochum, which restructures the city's basic order. The statute was discussed in several factions, with amendment proposals from the SPD, Greens, Left, and CDU. The goal is to make the statute more transparent and understandable for citizens.

Along with the statute, the Rules of Procedure were also revised. Particularly § 31 of the Rules of Procedure (Grounds for Exclusion) was in focus to ensure the transparency and fairness of the sessions.

Environment and Sustainability: Pesticide-Free Community and Fire Protection Measures

In the Committee for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability, an application for a "Pesticide-Free Community" was submitted. This aims to reduce environmental pollution from chemical substances and promote biodiversity in the city area. The application builds on an earlier proposal that was already discussed in 2025.

In addition, fire protection measures at the USB EKO City-Center were discussed, particularly regarding the detection of lithium-ion batteries. In several districts, tree-felling measures for 2025/2026 were also planned, and fireworks bans near fire-sensitive buildings were discussed.

Connections and Developments

The developments of March 2026 show how closely urban development, social planning, and environmental design are linked. The approval of sales of municipal land is part of a long-term strategy to relieve municipal finances while at the same time creating new residential and commercial spaces. At the same time, care planning is being oriented towards a future-proof structure that also responds to demographic changes.

Another exciting element is the application for a pesticide-free community, which strengthens awareness of environmental and health protection in the city. At the same time, the transparency of municipal processes is promoted through the revision of the main statute and the Rules of Procedure.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 was marked in Bochum by clear decisions in the areas of care planning, urban development, and environmental design. The revised version of the main statute and the changes in the Rules of Procedure show that the city is rethinking its structural foundations. At the same time, the social infrastructure is being expanded to meet the needs of the population.

In April 2026, it will become clear whether the planned projects – such as care planning or sales openings – will be implemented. The work in the districts and committees will continue to be closely linked to citizen opinions in order to make the city of Bochum livable for everyone.