Youth Policy in Speyer in Focus: From Democratic Participation to Holiday Care

Youth Policy in Speyer: From Democratic Participation to Holiday Care

In February 2026, the city of Speyer made a clear move towards youth policy. With the inaugural session of the 9th Youth City Council and ongoing planning for holiday and Friday childcare, the administration demonstrated how broad the range of youth-related topics is in the city hall. The goal is to actively involve young people in political structures while simultaneously improving the conditions for their development and leisure activities.

The 9th Youth City Council: A New Democratic Impulse

On February 9, 2026, the first meeting of the 9th Youth City Council took place – a milestone in local youth participation. Rebeca de Souza Batista was elected as Chairperson, while Christian Häuser and Isabel Breitling took on the roles of Vice-Chairs. With a total of 28 members aged between 12 and 18 (13 girls, 15 boys), the Youth City Council reflects the youth population of Speyer.

Voter turnout was at a moderate level of 60.2% (2025), a decline compared to 2023 (67.6%). This shows that there is room for improvement in campaign support and public relations. However, the new chair and her colleagues are provided with a clear political foundation through the adopted Code of Values – a tool against discrimination and in support of free democratic principles.

Holiday and Friday Childcare: Structural Challenges and New Paths

Another focus in February was the further development of childcare offers for primary school children. At the meeting of the Youth Welfare Committee on February 18, 2026, it was decided to entrust the Caritas Association of Speyer with Friday childcare within the framework of the Full-Day Support Act (GaFöG). Starting with the school year 2026/2027, a childcare offer will be available on Friday afternoons (12:00–16:00) at five primary school locations. Each location will offer up to 30 places, totaling 150 childcare spots.

At the same time, an income-dependent fee model is being introduced: Parental contributions for Friday childcare will depend on the adjusted income and vary according to family size. Weaker families, such as those receiving SGB II benefits, will largely be exempt from the fee obligation. The city will generate approximately 50,000 euros annually through this model, which only partially covers the costs (60,000 euros).

In the summer of 2026, the holiday childcare at the “Walderholung” facility will also be expanded – by 2027, capacity is to be increased to 200 places. Parents have already indicated in a survey that they are particularly reliant on childcare offers during the summer holidays (76%). The city plans to gradually expand the offer and consider other locations as well.

Kindergarten Mergers and Resource Optimization

Another important topic was the merger of the Catholic daycare centers Mariä Himmelfahrt and Don Bosco. This decision was made in response to declining birth rates in order to consolidate resources and ensure the quality of childcare. The new location will be set up at Maximilianstraße 67b, where 120 childcare places for children over 2 will be offered. The merger is part of the kindergarten needs plan for 2026/2027 and was coordinated with the kindergarten advisory boards.

Outlook: Youth Policy as a Central Factor for the Future

The developments in February 2026 show that Speyer understands youth policy as a central building block for the city's future viability. The new Youth City Council provides a democratic platform on which young people can raise their voices. At the same time, investment in childcare structures and holiday offers is considered key to sustainable youth support.

In the coming months, it will be particularly important to evaluate the results of parent surveys and the utilization of childcare offers. At the same time, it is important to increase voter turnout in the Youth City Council and enhance the transparency of its work – both central prerequisites for a vibrant youth participation.