Important Decisions for Witten – March 2026

Important Decisions for the Future of Witten

What was important this month

• Suspension of the 25% Regulation in Youth Welfare: To create more flexibility in the support of youth organizations, the 25% regulation was suspended.
• Expansion of Kindergartens: The Evangelical Kita Christuskirche will expand by three groups; other kindergartens are planning changes to their group structures.
• Digital Rental Price Index Check: A new tool is being developed to detect rent gouging and help tenants inform themselves.
• Planning a Housing Protection Ordinance: The city is evaluating whether such an ordinance would be appropriate in Witten.
• Strengthening Inclusion: The Inclusion Working Group is being reorganized to enhance participation and representation.

Youth Welfare and Kindergartens: More Flexibility and Expansion

In March 2026, the Youth Welfare Committee made key decisions regarding youth organization work and the structure of kindergartens. The suspension of the 25% regulation allows for better coverage of funding needs in 2026. The Youth Council Witten e.V. submitted an urgent motion, which was accepted.

Additionally, applications for child allowances for the 2026/2027 kindergarten year were submitted, and the expansion of the Evangelical Kita Christuskirche to six groups was approved. The Kita Erlenschule plans an extension to optimize its group structure. The Evangelical Kindergartens Friedenskirche and Märkische Straße have reduced group sizes to better care for integrated children.

These measures show that Witten is making targeted investments in the long-term viability of its kindergarten system. Parents benefit from more childcare spots and improved integration opportunities.

Housing and Rental Price Index: Digitization and Security

In the Committee for Social Affairs, Housing, and Health, housing-related topics were in the spotlight. A central focus was the development of a digital rental price index check. This tool will be implemented as an interactive web application and will provide a quick reporting and notification function if there is a suspicion of rent gouging or excessive rents.

In addition, the Housing Action Plan 2030 is being strategically further developed. The city aims to establish a comprehensive housing policy concept that goes beyond mere data and is regularly updated. Another key focus: the evaluation of a Housing Protection Ordinance, which aims to protect tenants from displacement.

The SPD, Alliance 90/The Greens, and The Left jointly initiated these measures. They are responding to rising rents and the need to strengthen social security in the housing sector.

Inclusion: Participation by Affected Individuals

Another central topic was the strengthening of inclusion in Witten. The Inclusion Working Group will be continued permanently and will in the future consist of at least two-thirds of people with disabilities. Both the chair and the vice-chair must also be held by affected individuals.

This personnel reorganization is a step toward a comprehensive implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the city. Affected individuals thus gain more influence on political decisions that directly affect them.

Overview: Stability through Flexibility

The decisions of last month show that Witten is relying on both flexibility and long-term planning. The suspension of the 25% regulation in youth organization work allows for better adaptation to current needs. At the same time, the city is investing in infrastructure for young families and in social security through housing policies.

Although there were no surprises, the combination of concrete improvements and strategic planning makes March 2026 a more solid month in the city’s development.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 was marked by concrete decisions in the areas of youth welfare, housing, and inclusion. The city of Witten has shown that it relies on flexibility, investment, and participation even in difficult times.

In April, it will be interesting to see how planned projects such as the digital rental price index check and the kindergarten expansions can be concretely implemented. In addition, the evaluation of the housing protection ordinance will spark further discussions.

Witten is on a course that opens up perspectives for families, tenants, and people with disabilities.