Mülheim in January 2026: Budget, Sports Promotion, and Nature Conservation in Focus

Budget and Investments on Course

In January, budget planning and investment decisions were central in Mülheim. The draft budget for the years 2026/2027 was presented to the Committee for Finance and Personnel Development. Particularly notable is the stability in personnel planning as well as investments in real estate, education, and sports.

In the real estate sector, an investment volume of approximately 70.7 million euros is planned for the purchase of land and buildings. In addition, renovation measures are underway at schools such as the Otto-Pankok-Gymnasium and the Berufskolleg Lehnerstraße, as well as at sports facilities and the Tersteegenhaus. Overall, a strong commitment to the future viability of the city's infrastructure becomes evident.

Sports Promotion and Cultural Impulses

The local committees set clear signals in January for the support of sports and cultural projects. Over 258,000 euros in sports subsidies were approved for 2025, including 38,000 euros for the Mülheim Canoe Club and 37,500 euros for the DJK Blau-Weiß Mintard. These funds are allocated to youth promotion, operational cost contributions, and investments such as the renovation of a boathouse.

Culturally, projects such as "KunstRaus in Saarn 2026" were in focus, where the Evangelical Parishes of Broich-Saarn plan an exhibition on the theme of "Bridges." In addition, the Saarner Geschichts-Gesprächskreis applied for funds for the 5th Saarn Book to preserve local history. Another highlight is the inclusive music project of the VBGS Mülheim an der Ruhr e.V., which aims to bring young and old together through music.

Nature Conservation and Traffic Planning

The advisory board of the Lower Nature Conservation Authority discussed important topics in January, such as the protection of the Oembergmoor and the evaluation of zoning plans in sensitive areas like the Zechenbahn / Mellinghofer Straße and the Felsenstraße. A proposal for a deconstruction in Auberg / Ruhrtalhang, due to illegal leisure use, underscored the balance between leisure use and nature conservation. At the same time, a goose count was carried out in the city area to monitor the animal population.

In addition, local committees advocated for traffic-safe solutions. For example, the extension of the 30 km/h zone on the August-Thyssen-Straße was requested to increase safety for residents. Safety measures such as the reconstruction of a gate at the GGS Brüder-Grimm-Schule were also discussed at schools.

Investment Planning and Digitalization

The local committees planned comprehensive investments in education, infrastructure, and mobility. For 2026, a regular result of 1.6 million euros is planned for district 2, supported by investments in schools, sports facilities, and energy-saving measures. In addition, digitalization is a focus, with funds for SAP updates and digital devices within the DigitalPakt-Schule.

Outlook

The January sessions show that Mülheim is actively preparing for the future – with investments in education, sports, culture, and nature. At the same time, sustainability and safety are taken into account, whether through 30 km/h zones or renovation measures at schools. In February, it will be interesting to see whether the budget plans will be approved by the next committees and which new projects will be launched.