Social Affairs in Hamm: Climate Change, Integration, and Housing Policy in Focus

Social Affairs in Hamm: Climate Change, Integration, and Housing Policy in Focus

The city of Hamm has increasingly addressed the challenges of social justice, climate change, and housing supply in recent years. In March 2026, key measures and funding plans for the coming years were discussed and decided. The focus was on climate adaptation, the integration of migrants and refugees, and the provision of affordable housing.

Heat Action Plan (HAP): Climate Adaptation in Practice

The Heat Action Plan (HAP) is a central element of the city of Hamm’s climate adaptation strategy. The goal is to protect vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, the homeless, and outdoor workers from the health risks of heatwaves.

The plan integrates measures from existing concepts such as the Climate Adaptation Concept (2021) and the Climate Action Plan (2019–2025). A central point is the development of an interactive map of cool areas, which is intended to serve as a guide during heatwaves. The expansion of the public drinking water fountain network and the creation of "green living rooms" in neighborhoods are also part of the plan.

The city of Hamm is pursuing a participatory approach, actively involving citizens, associations, and initiatives. In total, around 250 citizens, 385 respondents, and 200 students were involved in the planning process. The results show that 87% of respondents feel burdened by increasing heat, and 93% expect more frequent heatwaves in the future.

Integration and Equal Opportunities: Promoting Diversity

The city of Hamm is also promoting non-profit migrant self-organizations (MSO), which receive an annual lump sum of 500 euros in support. In addition, the city is a partner of the International Weeks Against Racism, which will take place from March 1 to 31, 2026.

Another focal point is the digital processing of commitment declarations under § 68 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). This enables prior review, online payment of fees, and upload procedures, aiming to increase transparency and efficiency in administration.

Integration is also a central issue in education. The city supports the Intercultural Education and Encounter Center (IBBZ) of IFF Hamm e.V. with 15,090 euros for the year 2026. The IBBZ offers literacy courses, language support, and international women’s breakfasts and reaches up to 1,000 people annually, including up to 50 nationalities.

Housing and Construction Policy: Securing Affordable Housing

Housing supply is another central topic. Hamm has set itself the goal of shifting 35% of building permits for new construction to subsidized rental housing by 2030. In 2024, this target was already exceeded with 159 subsidized housing units.

The city also promotes the social rental housing construction with a funding volume of 7 million euros for the period 2026–2027. In addition, the 25%-Model is anchored in the real estate management sector, which aims to provide at least 25% affordable housing.

A further central project is the renovation of Theodor-Heuss School with investments of 2.51 million euros for renovation and 1.53 million euros for the construction of a new after-school center (OGS). The Jahnstadion renovation with 264,000 euros and the investments in the youth center Kubus with 2.5 million euros also show how strongly Hamm is investing in the future.

Funding and Budget Situation: Challenges and Opportunities

Funding social policy and housing policy in Hamm is not without challenges. The 2026/2027 budget shows a deficit of 0.1 billion euros. By 2030, the deficit is expected to rise to -142.1 million euros. Nevertheless, Hamm is optimistic that a balance can be achieved by 2036.

The city is also using state programs such as the NRW debt relief program, which could provide up to 23 million euros. In addition, planned investments in education, social affairs, and climate protection will total 333.5 million euros over the period 2026–2030.

Conclusion: Hamm as a Model City for Social and Climate-Friendly Policy

The city of Hamm is demonstrating pioneering work in social and climate-friendly policy. With the Heat Action Plan, the promotion of integration, and investment in affordable housing, Hamm has developed a clear profile. The challenges in financial planning are significant, but the city is relying on a long-term strategy that also takes into account the sustainability goals of the SDGs.

In the coming years, it will be particularly important to evaluate the successes of the measures taken so far and to adjust them if necessary. With its participatory approach and integration into existing concepts, Hamm has already laid a strong foundation. The future will show whether Hamm can achieve its goals in practice—and whether the city can serve as a model for other municipalities.