What was important in Viersen in February 2026

Citizen-relevant highlights of the month

• The 2026 budget draft was largely approved, with the sports allowance remaining binding until 2028.
• A day shelter for homeless people is to be established, provided that funds are available by 2029.
• The swimming rate in the fourth grade dropped from 40.19% to 19.50%, thanks to school swimming weeks and course offerings.
• The warm bath day at the Viersen city pool is offered weekly during a pilot phase.
• A functional building at the Löh cemetery is planned, subject to the availability of funds.

Budget and Finance: Security for the Future

The 2026 budget draft was approved in several committees and finally in the Council. Notably, the sports allowance remains binding until 2028, providing security for sports offerings. At the same time, it is planned to create a "savings fund" for renovation measures from 2040 onward.

The establishment of a day shelter for homeless people was approved, with 50,000 euros allocated as a contingency item with a restriction note. The renewal of the heating supply at the Realschule at the Josefskirche was also discussed, but postponed due to concerns.

In addition, the city will use the NKF-COVID-19-Ukraine-Isolation Assistance Grant of 20.6 million euros, which will lead to a reduction in the city's equity capital.

Climate and Environment: Preparing for the Future

In the Climate and Environmental Protection Committee, a heat action plan tailored to specific target groups for schools was approved. In addition, the heat action plan created by the Kreis Viersen is being used as a reference, with the focus on raising awareness.

Another project approved in this context is the construction of a functional building at the Löh cemetery, with a restriction note for the availability of funds. This building will be multifunctional and is part of the city's long-term infrastructure planning.

Education and Social Affairs: Investments in the Future

The school swimming weeks and course offerings within the "NRW can swim!" program have had a positive impact on the swimming rate. The sports administration plans to contact schools with a high number of non-swimmers to take further action.

In the Youth Welfare Committee, it was decided to continue financing the bridge project "Wilde 13" of the SKF e.V. Viersen. In addition, six new positions were created in the social services to strengthen youth welfare in the city. The parent contribution regulation for the elementary level was also revised and will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Urban Development and Neighborhood Work: Future for Viersen

In the Committee for Urban Development and Planning, it was decided to permanently establish the neighborhood offices "DülkenBüro" and "SüchtelnBüro". The funding is already planned for 2026, with additional costs planned from 2027 onward.

The naming of the Ringstraße in the building plan VIE-195-0 as "Marie-Luise-Morawietz-Straße" was approved. In addition, criteria for building applications in the so-called "building turbo" procedure were set to speed up the construction process.

Overview: Trends and Tensions

February 2026 shows that Viersen is preparing for the future on several levels. On the one hand, the budget is carefully planned to provide security for the coming years. On the other hand, social and climatic challenges are addressed by implementing new projects and funding models.

An exciting development is the permanent establishment of the neighborhood offices, which is intended to strengthen the exchange between citizens and the city administration. At the same time, it becomes clear that consensus still needs to be reached on some projects, such as the heating supply at the Realschule.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 in Viersen was characterized by clear decisions and thorough planning. The 2026 budget was largely approved, new social projects were initiated, and the city is investing in education, climate protection, and infrastructure.

In March, the implementation of the approved projects will be in the foreground. In particular, the pilot phase of the warm bath day and the further development of the day shelter for homeless people are to be monitored. In addition, the digitization of building files and the renovation of the football field "An den Herreneichen" will continue.