Mönchengladbach in January 2026: Youth, Infrastructure, and New Departments

Youth Policy and New Departments in Focus

What was important this month

• Youth Parliament meets: In January 2026, the next session of the Youth Parliament took place. Young residents of Mönchengladbach debated topics such as the transition to sustainable transport and the fight against right-wing extremism.
• New district mayors elected: New district mayors and deputy district mayors were appointed in all four city districts.
• Infrastructure in focus: The Committee for Operations and Procurement addressed central issues such as cleaning management, parking meter machines, and construction projects.
• Kindergarten capacity planning continued: The city is preparing for the reporting of childcare places by 2026 and plans new buildings to increase coverage rates.
• Neighborhood Budget 2025: More than 119,000 euros were invested in cultural and social projects in the districts.

Youth Parliament: Young Voices in the City Hall

In January 2026, the Youth Parliament convened again at the Central Library. The public agenda included reports from the district committees and current topics such as the work of the working groups "Youth Welfare Committee" and "City Beautification." Particularly noteworthy was the debate on the "transition to sustainable transport" and the initiative "Young Against Right-Wing Extremism," both of which play a central role in youth policy.

The meeting underlined that young people in the city are actively involved in political processes – a step toward greater participation and shared decision-making.

Infrastructure and Construction Projects: From Parking Meters to the Sports Hall

The Committee for Operations and Procurement was intensively engaged with infrastructure issues in January. A central topic was the extraordinary termination of the cleaning contract with the company Th. Kramer. In addition, proposals for the procurement of parking meters, Smart Car Counters, and equipment for fire trucks were discussed.

Another important topic was the planned construction of a three-field sports hall at the Gesamtschule Volksgarten comprehensive school. The committee approved the project with a majority of votes and also tasked the city to review and, if necessary, accelerate the timeline. This shows that educational institutions in Mönchengladbach are being supported in terms of infrastructure.

Kindergarten Capacity Planning and Neighborhood Budget: For More Childcare and Social Offers

The kindergarten capacity planning for 2026/2027 is another central topic. The city plans a total of 27 new buildings for childcare facilities to reach the coverage rates by 2030/2031. Currently, the coverage rate for children under three years of age is 48.4%, and for children aged 3–6 years, it is 98.1%. The goal is to reach 55% (under three years) and up to 105% (over three years) by 2030/2031.

In addition, the 2025 Neighborhood Budget proved successful: 69 applications were approved, with a total funding volume of 119,568.21 euros. The funds are being used for cultural events, social initiatives, and leisure projects in the districts.

Cross-Section: Youth, Education, and Infrastructure in Tension

January 2026 shows how closely youth policy, education, and infrastructure are interlinked in Mönchengladbach. While the Youth Parliament ensures greater involvement of young people, the city is investing in better spaces and offers for children and young people. At the same time, infrastructure issues such as cleaning, traffic, and construction projects are crucial for the quality of life in the city.

Although no direct decisions were made in some meetings, the preparations and discussions are already contributing to the planning and implementation of future projects.

Outlook: What's coming in February?

February 2026 will be exciting: The district committees will discuss further changes to the land use plan, kindergarten capacity planning, and traffic topics. In addition, the re-election of the Senior Council is scheduled – another step toward greater citizen participation in Mönchengladbach.