Solingen April 2026: Highlights from Politics and Administration

Finances, Renovations and Investments in Focus

What was important this month

• The Finance Committee rejected an increase in the local business tax rate and kept it at 475%.
• With the support of federal and foundation funds, the Ittertal outdoor pool will be renovated.
• Extensive renovation work on road sections is planned for 2026.
• The Youth City Council will be re-elected – both digitally and in person – in 2026.
• The renovation of the Ittertal outdoor pool is part of a sustainable strategy.
• The Senior Advisory Council demands a critical review of the planned fare increase by the VRR (Rhein-Ruhr transport association).

Financial Policy: Stability and Investments

The Finance Committee has set key directions for Solingen's financial future. The local business tax rate remains at 475%, sending a signal of stability for the city as a business location. At the same time, the renovation of the Ittertal outdoor pool was approved for a total of approximately 9.7 million euros. Of this, nearly 6 million euros will come from federal funds, 1.35 million from the Gerd-Kaimer Foundation, and 1.308 million from city funds. The additional costs of approximately 1.07 million euros will be carried over into the 2027 budget, with 538,797 euros to be funded through the state program LuKIFG.

This decision is not only a step toward preserving an important recreational facility but also part of the city's climate protection and sustainability strategy.

Urban Development and Mobility: Investment in Quality of Life

In the field of urban development, investments in quality of life were in the foreground. Four new barbecue areas were established in Volksgarten, Bülowplatz, Bärenloch, and Stiehl's Pond, with a budget of nearly 89,000 euros for setup and annual follow-up costs. In addition, 26 road sections were included in the 2026 renovation plan to optimize traffic infrastructure and sidewalks.

In the mobility sector, the Senior Advisory Council critically discussed the planned fare increase by the Rhein-Ruhr transport association (VRR). At the same time, it was ensured that the digital ticket sales would not lead to the complete elimination of analog sales in buses – a decision of particular importance for the elderly population.

Youth Participation and Digital Democracy

In April, the process for the re-election of the Youth City Council was initiated. In total, 25 Youth City Council members and 5 alternates will be elected. The election will take place both digitally and in person at schools. The digital voting platform will be developed in cooperation with the youth portal solingen.digital and the legal advisory service 30-1. Voters are Solingen residents aged 14 to 21, with candidate lists needing to be submitted 34 days before the election. This new regulation underlines the city's commitment to involving young people more strongly in political decision-making processes.

Climate, Sustainability, and Investment in the Future

The renovation of the Ittertal outdoor pool is not only an investment in leisure culture but also a step toward climate protection. At the same time, the Finance Committee rejected the conversion of the industrial area Schrodtberg into a nature reserve, as it would have economic and legal consequences. The decision illustrates how delicate the balance between environmental protection and business location policy is in practice.

Social Inclusion and Barrier-Free Urban Development

The Senior Advisory Council approved an accessible expansion of the Vogelsang Family Pool, including a therapeutic pool. At the same time, the advisory council for people with disabilities will be involved in the planning process, reflecting a stronger inclusion of people with disabilities in urban planning. In addition, the report of the ombudsman in accordance with the North Rhine-Westphalia Housing and Participation Act was presented, evaluating the city's work in the field of inclusion.

Cross-Cutting Trends and Challenges

In April 2026, investments in infrastructure, climate protection, and digital democracy were in focus. The decisions show how the city is responding to challenges such as demographic change, climate change, and digitalization. At the same time, financial limits remain noticeable – for example, a property tax increase is planned for the financing of barbecue areas if no compensation is possible. This underlines the necessity of securing investments with financial policy flexibility.

Conclusion and Outlook

April 2026 was marked by investments in infrastructure, climate protection, youth participation, and social inclusion. The decisions reflect a clear focus on the future viability of Solingen. In May, further details on the digital Youth City Council election, the review of the IT outage, and the continuation of renovation work are expected. The city is on a course that combines economic stability with social and ecological responsibility.