Neighborhood Management and Social Integration in Gelsenkirchen – The Path to an Inclusive Urban Society

Neighborhood Management as a Central Component of Social Integration

The old town of Gelsenkirchen is a district facing particular social challenges: high unemployment, linguistic and cultural diversity, and a lack of meeting and leisure opportunities. Therefore, the Committee for Social Affairs and Labor approved a neighborhood management concept during its April session that specifically addresses these issues. The goal is to strengthen social structures, promote participation, and sustainably improve the quality of life.

As part of a comprehensive survey, 518 residents were interviewed. The results clearly show a strong need for low-threshold meeting points, multilingual information, and better opportunities for interaction. Particularly for children, youth, and families, there is a lack of attractive, freely accessible spaces. Moreover, barrier-free access is often insufficient, which complicates integration.

Neighborhood management is intended to act as a moderating body, promoting networking and coordination between residents, organizations, and the municipal administration. It is low-threshold, present in the public space, and emphasizes proactive outreach work. The city is cooperating with the external Institute for Social Innovation GmbH in this endeavor.

Driver’s License Support as a Key to Mobility

Another important project is the driver’s license support for apprentices, which was successfully implemented in fiscal year 2025 and further developed for 2026. With a budget of 25,000 euros, 39 apprentices were supported, with 25 receiving direct funding and 14 benefiting from an extended interpretation of the criteria. The prerequisites are strict: residency in Gelsenkirchen, age between 17 and 25, a commute of at least 45 minutes, and no other entitlement to funding.

The CDU municipal group submitted a motion to continue the initiative and adjust income limits in view of inflation. The committee approved the proposal. The driver’s license is seen as a key to support apprenticeships and entry into the workforce – especially in a district like the old town, where commuting is often necessary.

Social Welfare Reform and Challenges for Ukrainians

The social welfare reform and the adjustment of social benefit laws, passed in November 2025, have also significantly affected Gelsenkirchen. The transition from SGB II/XII to the Asylum Benefit Act for Ukrainian refugees from April 2025 leads to the loss of statutory health insurance benefits and brings additional administrative and financial burdens for the city. Approximately 300 Ukrainians are affected, including 185 under SGB II and 75 under SGB XII.

The city is calling for an expert commission to relieve municipalities financially – particularly in the areas of care assistance and integration support. While the reform brings benefits in the form of digitization and simplified administrative processes, it also intensifies budgetary pressure. Municipalities remain on the line of responsibility, which is especially relevant for the labor market integration of refugees.

Neighborhood Management as a Link and Innovation Driver

In addition to merely supporting projects, neighborhood management is also a central innovation driver. It not only promotes social participation but also cultural diversity. The city plans to use vacant buildings, such as the pavilion on Heinrich-König-Platz and the former Kaufhof department store, for cultural and educational projects. These spaces are to be used in the form of pop-up events or exhibitions to keep the public space vibrant.

A “Round Table Old Town” is being planned to bring together various actors and jointly identify areas of action. In addition, an open citizens’ point will be established to serve as a point of contact for advice, information, and networking. Transparent, multilingual information platforms and event formats are intended to strengthen social participation and promote cohesion.

Conclusion and Outlook

Neighborhood development in Gelsenkirchen is a process based on cooperation, transparency, and participation. Neighborhood management is more than a bureaucratic tool – it is a social impulse that can pave the way to an inclusive, connected, and vibrant urban society. The driver’s license support for apprentices and the adjustments to the social welfare reform demonstrate how Gelsenkirchen responds to social challenges with practical solutions.

In the coming months, it will be important to anchor the projects sustainably and stabilize social structures in the long term. The city has set the right course – now it is time to implement the initiative in practice and actively involve the residents.