Economic Development in Hagen: Challenges and Opportunities in April 2026

Economic Revitalization in the City Center: A Strategic Priority

The city center of Hagen is a central hub and plays a decisive role for the local economy. In April 2026, initiatives for the economic revitalization of the city center and the railway station area were in focus. The HAK faction introduced a package of measures aimed, among other things, at attracting regional and national brands (e.g., Zara, Primark) and revitalizing vacant retail spaces.

Special attention was given to the regulation of usage types such as arcades, kiosks, and fast food outlets that can negatively affect the attractiveness of the city center. Instead, mixed-use zones combining retail, restaurants, and sports offerings are to be created.

The city also plans a municipal rent support model to stabilize strategically important businesses. In addition, it is examining how to promote a greater variety of industries to improve the shopping experience and increase competitiveness against online retail.

Vocational Training Market: Between Demand and Supply

Another central point in Hagen’s economic policy is the training offensive. In April 2026, the city’s Economic Committee reviewed reports on the development of the vocational training market. The local employment agency presented a mid-year report showing a significant shortage of training positions: 450 positions were missing. In addition, the cancellation rates of training contracts are increasing, particularly in the crafts sector (approximately 50%).

To counter this trend, the city of Hagen has launched several initiatives: career exploration programs for 8th-grade students, speed-dating events for training positions, and the vocational training fair on June 11, 2026. The fair, which is also attended by the Märkische Arbeitgeberverband and the SIHK, has become an important format for career orientation.

Particularly noteworthy is the initiative "Companies in Schools – startbahn_zukunft," which presents companies in schools and provides young people with practical insights. In addition, more focus is being placed on young people with refugee backgrounds, who currently receive only a limited number of training positions.

Rethinking Economic Structures: The City's Participation Strategy

In addition to the revitalization of the city center and the training offensive, Hagen has launched a strategic reorganization of its participation structure in April 2026. The city holds shares in numerous companies that have developed historically and often cover overlapping areas. This has led to high administrative costs and a lack of transparency.

The goal of the reorganization is to eliminate duplicate structures, consolidate similar tasks, and establish a central municipal participation holding company. This holding could make the management of municipal companies more efficient and utilize synergies. The administration has been tasked with preparing a report that includes a complete analysis of all participations in order to develop a concept for the reorganization.

Conclusion: Hagen on the Path to an Economic Renaissance

The developments in April 2026 show that Hagen is consciously working towards a long-term economic renaissance. With targeted measures for the revitalization of the city center, an intensified training offensive, and the reorganization of the participation structure, the city is pursuing a broad strategy to create growth, stability, and attractiveness.

Challenges such as declining purchasing power, vacancies, and a shortage of training positions remain, but Hagen is showing ambition with these initiatives to actively address them. The coming months will show whether the political measures bear fruit – and whether Hagen remains an attractive location for businesses, young people, and families.