Iserlohn's Social Policy in Focus: Employment Promotion, Inclusion, and Civic Participation in February 2026

Iserlohn in February 2026: Challenges and Opportunities in Social Policy

Social policy is a central component for stability and participation in Iserlohn. In February 2026, several decisions in the areas of employment promotion, inclusion, and civic participation were in the spotlight. The city worked intensively on the resumption of a social employment policy, introduced new participation formats, and prepared for the implementation of important inclusion projects.

Return of Employment Promotion: Challenges and Opportunities

Employment promotion in Iserlohn had significantly declined in recent years. After a comprehensive analysis and several meetings with the Job Center and the Social Committee, it was decided to resume the measures starting from March 1, 2026. The 2025 budget includes a city contribution of 566,500 €, which reflects a significant financial commitment due to the increased costs.

The resumption of employment promotion, however, is not without risks. The administration must develop a legally sound and labor market policy model that ensures both the additionality and the competitiveness neutrality. At the same time, a transparent recording of working hours and costs is required.

Some measures, such as the work opportunities in the woodworking workshop or the painting workshop, need to be reorganized. Activities in Barendorf, which so far have been responsible for setting up and dismantling Christmas market stalls, will now be outsourced to third parties. This raises questions about how the social added value of these activities can be guaranteed in the future.

Strengthening Civic Participation: The Pop-up Civic Participation Terminal

As part of its inclusion policy, Iserlohn introduced new formats for civic participation. The Advisory Board for Inclusion supported the application by the BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN faction to set up a pop-up “Civic Participation Terminal” in the city library. The goal is to provide people with limited digital skills and no personal internet access with a low-threshold entry to the city's participation formats.

The terminal aims to combine analog and digital participation opportunities. Tablets and iPads allow direct access to the participation platform adhocracy+, while informational materials and QR codes illustrate current surveys and projects in the city.

This project is part of a broader strategy by the city to promote participation. The platform beteiligung.iserlohn.de has been online since 2021 and has already been used for topics such as mobility, climate protection, and urban development. Nevertheless, its reach remains limited, indicating the need for targeted promotion.

Inclusion and Accessibility: From Advisory Boards to Protest Days

The Advisory Board for Inclusion was active in several projects in February 2026. The planning of the Stefan-Haacke Award, to be held on May 10, 2026, at the Parktheater, was a central topic. The award is given annually to individuals or initiatives that support people with disabilities.

In addition, the board prepared for the protest day of the Aktion Mensch on May 9, 2026. A joint booth with various organizations such as EUTB, the 170° housing project, and the Diakonie was planned. The message: "Human rights are not negotiable."

Accessibility remained a central topic. The discussion focused on how the new meeting room in Reiterweg for the Social Committee can be made accessible. Mechthild Starke-Kersting, chair of the Social Committee, advocated that the room should only be used once the barriers have been removed.

Conclusion: A City in Transition

In February 2026, Iserlohn showed itself as a city actively working on the future of social policy. The resumption of employment promotion, the strengthening of civic participation, and the continuation of inclusion work are central priorities that pave the way for an inclusive and participatory urban development. The challenges remain great – but the determination to overcome them is clearly felt.