Important Decisions and Developments in Witten – Overview of February 2026

Traffic, Education, and Integration in Focus

What Was Important This Month

• Mobility and Traffic: The Committee for Mobility and Traffic unanimously decided to procure an enforcement trailer and to introduce an overtaking ban on Vormholzer Straße.
• Urban Development and Climate: A new zoning plan for the "Waldstraße/Buchenholz" area was approved, accompanied by ecological compensation measures.
• Integration and Equal Opportunities: 23 projects were funded with approximately 80,000 euros, including initiatives for language support and intercultural encounters.
• Finances and Personnel: The Main and Finance Committee approved additional funding for the Annen Educational Quarter as well as personnel decisions.
• School Development: The School Committee called for greater transparency in the school development process and advocated for the reintroduction of a three-track system at the Adolf-Reichwein-Realschule.
• City Council Meeting: The Council decided, among other things, to establish a Witten Citizens’ Council and approved the economic plan of the Culture Forum.

Mobility and Traffic: Safety and Infrastructure in Focus

The Committee for Mobility and Traffic met on February 9, 2026, and made several decisions regarding traffic safety and infrastructure. A central topic was the safety on Vormholzer Straße, where an overtaking ban for single-lane vehicles was implemented. Additionally, an enforcement trailer was procured unanimously, which is intended to contribute to future traffic safety.

Further projects, such as the renewal of the bridge on Kronenstraße and the removal of obstacles for the environmental network in Gasstraße, were commissioned for review. The administration was also instructed to examine the permissibility of traffic sign 277.1 and the removal of bollards on Willy-Brandt-Straße.

The meeting was attended by representatives of all factions as well as the senior representatives. The voting results showed broad support, although the AfD cast some opposing votes.

Urban Development and Climate: New Approaches for Education and Nature

In the Committee for Urban Development, Environment, and Climate, the renewal of the urban development concept and ecological compensation measures were in focus in February 2026. A central project is the development of a "green connection" between the Otto-Schott Comprehensive School and other educational institutions. With this measure, the city of Witten aims to strengthen local mobility and promote climate resilience.

Another significant topic was Zoning Plan No. 239 – Ann – "Waldstraße/Buchenholz." The plan provides for residential development in a general residential area and includes ecological compensation measures such as flower meadow areas, shrub strips, and forest compensation. The planning documents were made publicly available, and the administration will now accompany the implementation.

The legal basis for these measures comes from the law on the acceleration of housing construction and housing security, as well as the Building Code.

Integration: Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion

The Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration decided in February 2026 to fund 23 projects with a total of 79,884 euros. The funds come from municipal budgets, as state funds have been withdrawn. The projects range from language support to intercultural initiatives and social support services.

Examples of funded initiatives include the project "Arbeiterwohlfahrt Ennepe-Ruhr – Encounter and Communication" and the "Help Kiosk" project. The administration has assigned clear contact persons to support the projects.

The decision was made with opposing votes and abstentions, with the justifications primarily stemming from financial concerns. The legal basis for the measures is § 48 AG 17.

Finances and Personnel: Security for Construction Projects and Supervisory Boards

In the Main and Finance Committee in February 2026, financial issues and personnel decisions were at the center. Unanimously, it was decided to provide 900,000 euros beyond the budget for the school construction project "Educational Quarter Annen." The funds come from other projects such as Buchholzer Grundschule and Friedhof Heven.

In the personnel area, Dirk Leistner was confirmed as a member of the supervisory board of Verbund-Wasserwerk Witten GmbH. In addition, several proposals for the appointment of further supervisory boards and committees were discussed.

The financial situation of the city of Witten remains tense. The planned loss for 2025 was 69 million euros, but the actual loss amounted to 50.8 million euros. The net new debt was approximately 30 million euros.

School Development: Transparency and Safety

The School Committee advocated for more transparency in school development in February 2026. One of the central topics was the reintroduction of a three-track system at the Adolf-Reichwein-Realschule. In addition, inquiries were made regarding the quality of school cleaning and safety concepts.

The CDU faction proposed setting up a structured process for school development by closely collaborating politics, administration, and schools. Each faction is to appoint a representative. If necessary, external consultants can be brought in.

City Council Meeting: Citizen Participation and Culture

In the City Council meeting on February 23, 2026, several important decisions were made. Unanimously, it was decided to develop a concept for a Witten Citizens’ Council. The idea comes from the BürgerRatInitiativeWitten (B.R.I.W.) and aims to enable greater citizen participation.

In addition, the economic plan 2026 of the AöR Kulturforum Witten was approved with opposing votes from the AfD and EM. Other topics were the lighting at the Herbeder skate park and the maintenance of container parking areas. The Council also approved an amendment to the Sunday trading ordinance.

Overview: Integration, Safety, and Sustainability

February 2026 in Witten was marked by topics such as road traffic safety, integration in the urban community, and sustainability in urban development. The decisions show that Witten remains active on multiple levels – from school development and financial planning to citizen participation. The city is relying on clear structures to achieve its goals in the areas of mobility, education, and the environment.

Final Conclusion with Outlook

February 2026 was a month of clear steps toward greater safety, sustainability, and integration. The measures decided show that Witten is responding to the needs of its citizens and planning in a forward-looking manner. In March, it will become clear how far the implementation progresses and whether new topics come into focus. With the planned Witten Citizens’ Council and other projects, the city remains on course.