Youth Policy in Leipzig: Structure, Funding, and Participation

Youth Policy in Leipzig: Structure, Funding, and Participation

In the months of May and June 2026, the city of Leipzig engaged intensively with the future viability of its youth policy. Numerous meetings, proposals, and projects focused on the funding of free youth welfare, the prioritization of offerings, structural planning spaces, and the strengthening of youth participation. At the same time, new approaches in youth culture, media work, and international youth work were pursued.

Structure and Funding of Free Youth Welfare

The Youth Welfare Committee made crucial decisions regarding the funding of free youth welfare on 04.05.2026. The Special Funding Guidelines, which had already been adopted on 05.07.2023, were central to the discussion. These guidelines regulate the funding of providers in free youth welfare according to §§ 11 to 16 of the SGB VIII and align with the Leipzig Strategy 2035 as well as the INSEK 2030.

A core requirement is that at least 3.5% of the funds must be allocated to youth organization work and holiday measures, and that at least 55% of the budget for child and youth funding must go to youth work under § 11 SGB VIII. In addition, a two-stage review process was decided in the event of limited funding, in which measures with an evaluation score of over 75% are prioritized in the first stage and over 85% in the second stage.

The administration rejected several amendment proposals, particularly regarding the funding of membership fees for umbrella organizations and the reduction of the administrative fee. The latter had been reduced from 15% to 10% to create more funds for content-related offers, but was rejected due to concerns about the financial burden on organizations.

Youth Participation and Involvement

On 09.06.2026, the Youth Parliament held a meeting in which several proposals and projects were discussed. Among other things, the motion "Secure sports facilities for young people and improve opportunities for sustainable sports" was unanimously adopted. Additionally, the motion "Cars don't need nearby recreation – Make Anton-Bruckner-Allee more attractive!" was referred to the working group SUM.

Another highlight was the motion "The Nikolaikirchhof should be lit again!", which was adopted both in the Youth Parliament and the Youth Advisory Board. The goal is to make the lighting installation on the Nikolaikirchhof operational by 09.10.2028. The administration confirmed that planning would be possible as early as 2027.

International Youth Work and Youth Culture

International youth work was identified as a priority area. For example, a visit by young people from Ukraine was planned for 26.06.2026. In addition, the Youth Parliament will participate in the CSD Parade on 18.07.2026 and support projects such as the Social Media Campaign for Pride Month.

In the area of youth culture, the city cooperates with the Cultural Office, and it was emphasized that youth media work should be given more attention – in particular with a focus on digital worlds and media protection. A new project, the Working Group on Children and Youth Media Education, was introduced to promote the media competence of young people.

Demographics, Education, and Social Situation

Demographic data showed that the number of children and young people in Leipzig is gradually decreasing. The youth quotient dropped from 21.0 (2022) to 19.8 (2024). At the same time, the migration of young people remained stable, with the largest group being 18–25 years old.

In education policy, graduation rates were a central topic. 10.2% of graduates left school without a high school diploma, with comprehensive schools and students with a migration background being particularly affected. The inclusion rate rose to 53.2%, with the focus on emotional and social development being the highest.

Outlook to the Future

The decisions made in May and June 2026 show that the city of Leipzig is actively shaping its youth policy. With a clear financial structure, stronger involvement of young people, and a focus on inclusion and digital media work, it lays the foundation for youth-friendly urban development. In August 2026, the International Day of Youth will take place, offering another forum for participation and exchange.