April 2026: Focus on Schools, Youth, and Safety

School, Youth, and Safety: Monthly Priorities

What Was Important This Month

• The School Development Plan is being updated to account for the increasing population by 2043.
• The 12th Youth Council was established with a voter turnout of 56.1% – a record high.
• A loitering ban on public parking lots was adopted to reduce disturbances caused by the posing scene.
• In the area of senior work, a concept for barrier-free social assistance applications and improved snow removal was approved.
• The Youth Council decided on investments in playgrounds and football fields in the seven-figure range.

School Development Plan and Population Planning

In the School Committee, it became clear: Remscheid must prepare for a population increase of about 8,000 residents by 2043. Therefore, the School Development Plan will be updated by the end of 2024 – with a focus on student number forecasts and the infrastructure of school buildings.

The CDU faction also called for a Masterplan for Schools to address the impacts of population growth on educational institutions, after-school programs, and child daycare. At the same time, a strategic paper on population planning up to 2043 is being developed, covering topics such as affordable housing and climate-adapted neighborhoods.

These measures are part of a comprehensive planning approach that also involves the health service and elderly care, supported by the Consultation Center Markt 13 and the "Round Table 50+".

Youth Council: More Participation, More Investments

The 12th Youth Council was established on April 28, 2026. With a voter turnout of 56.1%, a young team of 15 members (8 female, 12 male) was elected. Gymnasiums provided the clear majority with 10 members.

In its first meeting, the Youth Council decided to set up a public WLAN network on the Alleestraße, with 5 access points to be operational by mid-May. The ongoing costs amount to €6,500 per access point.

In addition, investments in playgrounds and football fields totaling €1,170,500 were approved. This includes renovations in the Dowidat Settlement and Johannesstraße, planting 30 trees, and installing protective facilities and shelters at various locations.

Safety and Order: Loitering Ban and Prevention

Another focus was the city's safety. On April 14, 2026, the Council decided on a loitering ban on public parking lots from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, making it more difficult for the posing scene to gather and preventing disturbances.

Fines can be up to €1,000. The police have already been implementing targeted measures against speeding and illegal vehicle modifications since 2021. For 2026, prevention campaigns at schools and increased monitoring are planned.

In addition, a concept for better snow removal and waste disposal at bus stops was approved – especially for older and mobility-restricted citizens.

Networking and Future Readiness

Alongside these concrete measures, overarching trends are evident: Remscheid is focusing on citizen participation, digital solutions, and sustainable urban development.

In the digital sphere, for example, the appointment system is being optimized – despite staffing shortages. In the social sphere, barrier-free access and inclusion are receiving more attention. And in urban planning, it is clear: Use vacant lots instead of consuming land.

Conclusion and Outlook

April 2026 was characterized in Remscheid by concrete decisions for the present and future. The city is responding to challenges in the education sector, strengthening youth participation, and relying on safety and order. At the same time, sustainable growth is being pursued – with a focus on population planning, digitization, and social inclusion.

Further committee meetings are scheduled for May, in which, for example, the Zoning Plan 673 Lenneper Straße and the fiber optic expansion strategy will be discussed. In addition, the site visit to the Linden-Residenz construction site will take place.

Remscheid is moving – slowly but surely – toward a future-ready, liveable city.