Dortmund in January 2026: Climate Protection, Mobility, and Inclusion in Focus

Climate Protection, Mobility, and Inclusion: Dortmund Sets the Pace

What Was Important This Month

• Climate-Neutral Construction: Dortmund adopted a guideline in 2024 aimed at implementation by 2035.
• Public Transport Funding: Sustainable public transport funding secured by federal and state authorities.
• Swim Support: Funding for swimming lessons increased – up to 760,000 € annually.
• Accessibility: Support for barrier-free facilities and toilets at sports facilities.
• Grants: 357.9 million € applied for traffic and educational infrastructure.
• Ukrainian House: Evaluation of a planned meeting place for Ukrainian refugees.

Mobility and Traffic: Slow Down, Move Forward

Mobility was a central topic in Dortmund during January. A 30 km/h zone is being evaluated for the Von-der-Goltz-Straße (Innenstadt-Ost) to improve traffic conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Similar proposals were made for the Karl-Zahn- and Von-den-Berken-Straße.

For cycling, the cycle traffic concept for the Stockumer Straße (Hombruch) is being further developed. In Eving, cycle highways and bike streets are planned. Another project is the bus lane on "Am Kai" (Hörde), specifically targeting the "raser and poser" scene.

In addition, a request for permanent public transport funding was submitted by federal and state authorities – a key step towards climate-friendly transport policy in the region.

Climate-Neutral Construction: Dortmund on Track

Dortmund has set a clear goal with the binding guideline for climate-neutral construction for the years 2024 to 2035. This guideline is part of the preparations for the IGA 2027, which will focus on climate protection.

In this context, the Haldensprung Bridge is being completed, and the Coking Plant Park is developing into a central recreational area. In addition, the Land Use Plan We 134 – Wipfelweg (Hörde) has been revised to meet the requirements of the building use ordinance.

The Bauturbo Law is being implemented to accelerate construction procedures. This is particularly important to meet the demand for housing and educational infrastructure.

Social Infrastructure: Integration and Inclusion

Dortmund continues to focus on social inclusion and integration. With funding of 200,000 €, projects such as "At the Common Table" and "DIALOG. BERUF. DORTMUND" are supported, helping migrants with professional integration.

Another important project is the evaluation of the construction of a "Ukrainian House" as a meeting place for refugees. In addition, accessibility in the city is being further developed: 250,000 € are planned for barrier-free toilets at sports facilities and 70,000 € for barrier-free access to the TSC Eintracht site.

Integration and Culture in Focus

In the area of culture, Dortmund is actively engaged: theaters, music, and intercultural projects like "Bienenstich and Baklava" are supported. In addition, ten kindergartens were awarded the "Environmentally Conscious Kindergarten" title in 2024, and 29 schools are participating in the "Environmentally Conscious School" program.

Outlook and Summary

January 2026 in Dortmund was characterized by concrete measures in the areas of climate protection, mobility, and social integration. The city is setting impulses towards sustainability and inclusion – from the promotion of public transport to the implementation of the Bauturbo Law. The preparations for IGA 2027 also show that Dortmund is thinking of itself as a forward-looking cultural and recreational city.

February will be interesting as the first projects – such as the Haldensprung Bridge or the 30 km/h zones – are implemented. In addition, integration will remain in the focus, especially with the evaluation of the "Ukrainian House."

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