March 2026: Climate Neutrality, Budget Discipline, and Youth in Focus

Climate Neutrality and Mobility: Mülheim is Investing in Electromobility

The Mobility Committee decided to consistently implement the climate neutrality goals by 2035. A key milestone is the expansion of charging infrastructure: 2,000 public charging points are to be created by 2035, with 200 new ones added each year. The goal is to operate 75% of all passenger cars electrically by 2035. The city will not operate the charging infrastructure itself but will use external providers. At the same time, it will be ensured that the installations are barrier-free and in line with the charging infrastructure concept. A working group and a guideline for the approval of special uses will be established to structure the process.

Budget: Savings Above and Below Plan

The Committee for Finance and Personnel Development discussed the progress report on the implementation of the 2025 budget security concept. Overall, 108.9 million euros were saved, although the result of 107.8 million euros was slightly below the plan. Particularly successful measures included the reduction of interest costs by not using loans (7.23 million euros) and the increase in parental contributions (2.95 million euros). However, measures such as the increase in business tax and the real estate tax rates remained below the plan. 23 measures were classified as completed or goals achieved, including the LED equipment in city buildings and cleaning optimizations.

Youth and School Sports: Achievements and Outlooks

The Youth City Council and the Committee for School Sports discussed the activity report 2024/2025. A total of 40 sports events were organized, including Aqualympics, Dancing Day, and NRW-YoungStars. The swimming promotion achieved a target of 90% of children being able to swim. Within the TrendSport program, new offers such as windsurfing and skimboarding were introduced. For 2026, the qualitative further development of the sports program is planned, including the construction of a bike skill park in Winkhausen and the strengthening of the digital presence. The Luisenschule school attracted attention with successes in field hockey.

Administration and Structure: Changes among the Deputy Mayors

The City Council passed the dismissal of Deputy Mayor Anja Franke in accordance with § 71 (7) GO NRW. The motion was signed by 39 council members and requires approval by two-thirds of the legal number of council members. The city administration was tasked with informing Franke of the dismissal and giving her the opportunity to comment. At the same time, it was decided to limit the number of full-time deputy mayors to four and to amend the Basic Ordinance accordingly. A reorganization of the administrative sectors is being prepared.

District Representation: Trees, Parking Spaces, and Traffic

In the District Representation 1, topics such as tree care, parking space planning, and traffic trials were discussed. It was unanimously decided to submit proposals for the next meeting. The felling of three lindens on Tilsiter Straße was decided by a majority, although some members of the council expressed opposition. In the Oppspring intersection area, a review of additional parking spaces is planned, and a traffic trial in several streets is intended to reduce traffic volume. Legal foundations included the tree protection ordinance, nature conservation laws, and B-plans.

Outlook: Structure, Climate, and Youth

March 2026 marks a clear focus on budget discipline, climate protection, and youth policy. The city continues to rely on a long-term climate neutrality strategy and relies on partnerships with external providers. At the same time, the administration is being restructured to optimize decision-making. Further projects in the area of youth and school sports are planned to strengthen the local community. April promises exciting progress in these areas.