Integration, Budget, and Culture in Focus – February 2026 in Siegen

Integration and Cultural Diversity on the Rise

What was important this month:

• Jury for Intercultural Engagement was appointed with members from various communities.
• News from District Committee V: €2,000 grant for renovation work at the Garden Friends' club house on Fischbacherberg.
• Budget Draft 2026 adopted with an increase in staffing and changes to the land use plan.
• Cultural Budget focuses on digital offerings, libraries, and urban history projects.
• Graffiti Concept in planning: A comprehensive concept to combat illegal graffiti and promote street art.

Integration: Building Juries and Advisory Boards

The Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration unanimously appointed the jury for the Intercultural Engagement Award. Members such as Veli Aydin and Ahmed Hussein were appointed to important advisory boards, marking a step toward more inclusive decision-making structures.

Additionally, events for 2026 such as the Anti-Racism Action Day on March 21 were set, and the February 14th committee meeting served as a planning session for upcoming activities. These measures show that Siegen is systematically expanding its integration efforts and prioritizing broad participation.

Budget and Finance: Staffing, Plans, and Investments

The Main and Finance Committee approved the administrative draft of the 2026 budget with an increase in the staffing plan by 9.00 VZÄ. The total staffing level thus rises to 1,339.295 VZÄ.

In addition, important structural and legal changes were adopted: The Building Plan 440 “Residential Quarter Am Galgenberg” was approved, and the 111th Amendment to the Land Use Plan is now final. The voluntary service for the removal of tree and shrub trimmings from private gardens has been abolished, indicating a realignment of municipal services.

Culture and Education: Investing in the Future

The Cultural Committee set the 2026 budget at €10,755,093. Key areas include Cultural Funding (€1,491,000), Integration Courses (€3,501,100), and investments in digital offerings such as music streaming and Onleihe. The City Library also plans a Reading Café, Gaming Room, and Delivery Service.

Another highlight is the planning of a Compendium for the 2024 Jubilee, funded with €45,500. The city is thus investing not only in the present, but also in cultural memory.

Safety and Mobility: Preparing for Crises, Planning for Daily Life

In the Committee for Fire Protection, Safety, and Order, a motion was passed for a Graffiti and Street Art Concept to make public spaces more culturally vibrant and secure. In response to a request from the committee chair Benjamin Grimm, a blackout scenario was also discussed. The city assesses the possibility of a large-scale power outage and is planning accordingly.

In the Mobility Committee, topics such as cycle path signage in simple language, traffic safety at the Globus Market area, and parking management were in focus. The FDP faction requested an evaluation of the introduction of evening parking, indicating growing mobility needs in the city center.

Overview: The City on the Move

February 2026 shows that Siegen is reorienting itself in several areas: In integration through stronger participation, in budget planning through investments in staffing, planning, and infrastructure, in culture through modern digital offerings, and in safety through preventive measures.

The city is moving toward a clearer, more inclusive, and future-oriented course – a process that will continue to develop in the coming months.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 was a month of clear decisions and far-reaching planning. The topics of integration, budget, culture, and security are in focus, and the city is showing that it is not only reacting to the present, but actively investing in the future. In March, the budget session, the committee retreat, and the first implementations of the adopted plans will be among the key topics.

Stay tuned and stay informed – Siegen is changing, and you are part of this process.