Climate Protection, Infrastructure, and Integration: What Moved Leverkusen in February 2026

Climate Protection Remains a Priority – But Infrastructure and Integration Also Come into the Spotlight

What Was Important This Month

• The Heat Action Plan was adopted and anchored as a dynamic instrument for climate adaptation.
• The renovation of the Dhünnstraße Kita and the construction of a new TGA building were approved with a volume of 14 million euros.
• In the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration, a new working group system was introduced to better coordinate issues such as migration, education, and crisis management.
• City Treasurer Michael Molitor was removed – an unexpected personnel decision at City Hall.
• The multi-purpose sports hall will be put into operation after the summer holidays and handed over for use by the Landrat-Lucas-Gymnasium.

Climate Protection: Heat Action Plan as a Central Milestone

Leverkusen adopted a Heat Action Plan in February 2026 that is closely linked to the Climate Adaptation Strategy 2020 and the city’s sustainability strategy as a Global Sustainable Community. The plan aims to protect the health of the population from the effects of heat and heatwaves, particularly in the districts of Opladen, Küppersteg, and Wiesdorf.

The plan combines short-term measures such as the heat hotline and information campaigns with long-term strategies, such as climate-compatible urban development. Special attention is given to vulnerable population groups, such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic illnesses.

The planning is based on recommendations from the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the WHO. Climate projections show that Leverkusen will suffer from an increasing number of tropical nights and hot days by 2032 – especially in densely built-up, sealed areas.

The Heat Action Plan will be evaluated and adjusted annually, with both short-term and long-term measures being reviewed. The evaluation phase takes place every October/November, and adjustments are implemented in the following year.

Infrastructure: School Construction and Sports Hall Inauguration

In February 2026, important infrastructure measures were approved. The Finance Committee approved the renovation of the Kindergartens at Dhünnstraße 12a and 12c as well as the construction of a new TGA building, with a total volume of 14 million euros. The work is to be completed by 2027 and includes, among other things, insulation of the building envelope in accordance with the GEG, an extensively greened roof area, and a modern fire protection plan.

In addition, the multi-purpose sports hall will be put into operation after the summer holidays of 2026 and handed over to the Landrat-Lucas-Gymnasium for use in the new academic year 2026/2027. The tender for the thermal insulation composite system was already launched in December 2025, but the order has not yet been placed.

Integration and Equal Opportunities: Restructuring and New Working Groups

In the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration, a new working group system was decided upon, which is intended to structurally support issues such as migration, education, youth, and the economy. The establishment of five working groups with spokesperson functions allows for targeted processing of topics such as emergency supply in crises, deportation statistics, and changes in school locations.

The Anti-Discrimination Committee also remains active: in 2025, 14 consultations within the city administration and 33 consultations for people seeking advice were carried out. Leverkusen is one of the few cities in North Rhine-Westphalia that has a service agreement on anti-discrimination.

Surprise at City Hall: Removal of the City Treasurer

During the public meeting of the Council on 23.02.2026, City Treasurer Michael Molitor was removed. The decision was implemented directly during the meeting and caused surprise both within the administration and in the public. No reasons were given, which led to discussion in the media and politics.

Outlook

Leverkusen continues on course: Climate adaptation is being concretized with the Heat Action Plan, infrastructure is being expanded, and social integration remains a central topic. In March, further decisions are expected, especially regarding Leverkusen's bid for the Olympic Games 2036–2044 and the planning of new green space projects.