Krefeld in April 2026: Decisions, Debates, and Impulses for the Future

Krefeld: Impulses for Climate, Budget, and Citizen Participation

What was important this month

• Budget 2026: The draft budget was presented, and the real estate tax rates were set. The property tax A rate is 265%, B is 680%, and the business tax is 475%.
• Climate and Heat Planning: The city presented the results of the climate analysis and began the development of municipal heat planning.
• Citizen Participation: Several proposals for citizen participation were discussed, including the establishment of a small dog park in the city center.
• Traffic and Mobility: Measures to promote cycling and improve safety at schools were approved in several districts.
• Social Security: The Social Committee rejected a proposal for a municipal cold weather bus, but supported a concept for drug checking in the drug assistance program.
• Nature Conservation: The Nature Conservation Advisory Board decided on the installation of grazing shelters and artificial turf areas, and provided comments on exemptions under the BNatSchG.

Budget 2026 – Clarity for the Future

The city budget for 2026 was the focus of several meetings in April. The district-specific budget funds were referred to the working group on budget consolidation to ensure sustainable financial planning. The rates for property tax, business tax, and real estate tax were set unanimously. The stability of the real estate tax rates creates planning security for property owners and tenants.

In the Finance Committee, the 2026 business plan of the municipal enterprise Krefeld was also presented, which includes an investment volume of nearly 96 million euros. Authorizations for investment measures were approved to advance projects that have been postponed to 2026 due to construction delays.

Climate and Energy – Krefeld is Focusing on Heat Pumps and District Heating Networks

In the Committee for Environment, Climate, Sustainability, and Agriculture, municipal heat planning was discussed. The city plans to integrate climate analysis into municipal planning from 2026 and develop an action plan. The focus is on heat pumps and district heating networks. Hydrogen should only be used in unavoidable cases.

A proposal by the LUKS parliamentary group called for the removal of "hydrogen possibility areas" and a stronger consideration of biogas potential and waste heat injection. The Council will decide on municipal heat planning at the June meeting.

Citizen Participation and Mobility – Staying Close to the Citizens

In the Central District Committee, a proposal for a small designated dog park in the city center was introduced, based on a citizen initiative. At the same time, measures to improve the traffic situation at schools were discussed, including parent bus stops and better signage. In the West District Committee, the renaming of the district sports facility to "Rainer-Knötschke-Sportpark" was also approved.

The city is also increasingly relying on digital and traditional forms of citizen participation. In several committees, amendment proposals for the inclusion of citizens were discussed, including the closure of streets for motor vehicle traffic and the promotion of cycling.

Social Security and Health – Support in Everyday Life

In the Social Committee, it was decided to develop a concept for drug checking in the drug assistance center, with financial support from state funds. At the same time, a proposal for a municipal cold weather bus was rejected by a majority. The debate showed how differently the factions approach social challenges.

The city is also introducing a new regulation on Feldstraße, where the entrance gate will only be opened after a doorbell is pressed in the future. A residents' meeting is planned to address concerns and questions of the residents.

Nature Conservation and Green Infrastructure – Protection and Design

The Nature Conservation Advisory Board decided to build grazing shelters and paved areas in nature reserves. At the same time, a proposal for a hedgehog path was rejected because there were no sufficient scientific foundations. When discussing artificial turf fields, it was emphasized that only legal regulations and scientifically proven values should be considered.

Outlook: Krefeld on the Move

April 2026 was marked by clear decisions, but also by debates that show how diverse the challenges in the city are. Whether in the budget, climate protection, or citizen participation – Krefeld is setting impulses that will be significant for the city's future.