Dortmund Monthly Blog February 2026 – What is Moving Forward

What was important this month

• Mobile Space Units (MRE): The city is preparing to provide MRE at nine school locations, with a total volume of over 16.7 million euros. The goal is to create urgently needed educational space.
• Fiber optic and mobile network expansion: Dortmund is investing in digital infrastructure – two coordinator positions have been established to drive the expansion forward.
• IGA 2027: The Future Garden Huckarde/Mengede is taking shape. The Kokereipark will be barrier-free and asphalted by 2026.
• District representations in action: In Scharnhorst and Lütgendortmund, financial planning, 30 km/h speed proposals, and projects were the focus.
• Culture and Sports: The Committee for Culture, Sports, and Leisure approved investments in municipal sports facilities and advocated for more open spaces for movement.
• Financial control: The Audit Committee identified weaknesses in the accounting system and called for process improvements.

Construction Plans and Urban Development – Where is building happening?

February was marked by urban planning decisions. The 87th amendment to the land use plan as well as the amendment to the zoning plan Br 217 for the Football Park Borussia were approved. In addition, an urban development agreement was signed, setting the framework for future development.

Another focus was the inner-city development strategy, which makes urban development planable for the coming decades. The renovation of the Hardenberg outdoor pool and the preparation of a feasibility study are first steps in this direction.

In addition to the major projects, smaller but important initiatives were also in focus: For example, barrier-free street crossings were planned in Huckarde, and the new main entrance of the Kokerei Hansa was advanced as part of the IGA 2027.

Digital Infrastructure – Dortmund is being connected

Dortmund is investing heavily in its digital future. In the Committee for Economic Development, Employment Promotion, Europe, Science, and Research, it was decided to establish two coordinator positions – one for mobile network expansion, one for fiber optic expansion. These positions will be responsible for planning, approvals, and coordination with authorities and companies.

Another project that is advancing digital progress is an extra-budgetary project with state funding. With 210,000 euros from the state budget and a self-contribution of 546,510 euros, Dortmund aims to significantly improve digital infrastructure by 2026.

Culture, Sports, and Education – What is being supported?

In the Committee for Culture, Sports, and Leisure, investments in municipal sports facilities were central. For example, an investment report for the renovation of the main entrance of the Max-Planck-Gymnasium was presented, with a total volume of 444,980 euros.

In addition to sports promotion, Dortmund's culture was also discussed. The Third Quarterly Report of the Cultural Enterprises and the Quarterly Report 2025 were presented. In addition, an auditor for the annual report of Theater Dortmund was appointed.

Education was also active: The Committee for Children, Youth, and Family approved an extension of the "Bildungskommune Dortmund" project until 2027. In addition, subsidies for investments in childcare facilities were approved.

Financial Control and Budget Discipline

The Audit Committee reviewed several audit reports in February 2026 – and identified weaknesses. For example, discount losses were identified in several departments, ranging between 10.23% and 24.09%. Also, late fees and unintended credit entries were discussed.

The audits show no malicious actions, but they highlight the need to optimize processes and sensitize employees. With an update plan for the Internal Control System (IKS) and the AGA Authorization Concept, Dortmund aims to further reduce risks.

What is connecting

Dortmund is moving forward on multiple levels: construction, education, culture – and again and again, digitization. The Mobile Space Units show how the pressure on the educational infrastructure is being addressed. In turn, digital infrastructure is the key to a modern city that remains future-ready. And financial control ensures that funds are used efficiently.

The city is therefore pursuing a clear goal: Reliability, dependability, and foresight. Whether in school construction, administration, or culture – Dortmund is relying on strategy, investment, and control.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 was a month in which a lot happened in Dortmund. From the construction of IGA 2027 to digital infrastructure – the city is showing that it is ready to take on challenges and develop solutions.

In March it will become clear whether the urgent decisions are having an effect and whether the investments in education and sports will bear their first fruits. Financial control will remain a topic that is always present in the background – and that is a good thing.

Dortmund is moving forward – and in the right direction.