Jena Looks at a Dynamic February for Youth Policy

Youth Welfare Committee and New Rules of Procedure

In February 2026, the 17th meeting of Jena's Youth Welfare Committee took place, during which the revised version of the committee's rules of procedure was adopted. The adjustments were made due to the new structure of departmental responsibilities, resulting in the committee's administrative office now being located within the department to which the Youth Office is assigned. This organizational adjustment reflects the changed distribution of responsibilities within the municipal administration.

The new rules of procedure establish clear guidelines for convening meetings, public access, and the process within the sessions. Meetings are generally public but can be held in private when necessary, for example, in matters concerning personnel. Members of the City Council have access to the meeting minutes, which strengthens transparency and participation. The rules of procedure were adopted unanimously and come into effect the day after their announcement.

Revision of the Playground Network Plan

Another central topic was the revision of the network plan for municipal playgrounds. The City Council had already decided that the city administration should present an updated version in 2026. In addition to expanding play facilities, the planning focused on seating areas for accompanying persons, heat prevention measures, and the development of additional water play areas.

Particular attention was given to the renovation and renewal of skate and scooter facilities, with adaptations to new usage patterns to be considered. Furthermore, unimplemented proposals from the Citizen Budget are to be incorporated into the planning. The aim is to increase the attractiveness and diversity of the playgrounds and to improve access for children and accompanying persons.

Youth Support Plan 2027/2028: Prevention and Participation

The Youth Support Plan for the years 2027/2028 will increasingly focus on preventive initiatives for youth education, participation, and conflict prevention. Within the framework of the plan, new initiatives are to be developed that reach young people, mediate in conflicts, and foster their potential. A particular focus is on the development of legal graffiti areas within the city to prevent illegal acts of vandalism.

The city of Jena plans to actively involve young people, open youth work, independent youth welfare providers, schools, district councils, JenaKultur, and representatives of the street art scene in this process. The goal is to create a creative and legal alternative to illegal graffiti while simultaneously strengthening youth participation.

Youth Parliament Discusses the Future of the Swimming Hall

During the meeting of the Jena Youth Parliament on February 11, discussions about the future of the old swimming hall in Lobeda were at the center. Guest speaker Karl Rödiger provided information on the plans and future perspectives. The Youth Parliament used the opportunity to formulate its own concerns and inform itself about current developments in the city.

The discussion under the motto "What annoys me? What do I like?" shows how actively young people are politically included in Jena. At the same time, the parliament prepared for internal planning and the annual planning, thereby ensuring structural security for the future of youth policy in Jena.

Outlook

The decisions made in February 2026 show that Jena is consciously advancing its youth policy. With the revised rules of procedure for the Youth Welfare Committee, the revision of the Playground Network Plan, and the orientation of the Youth Support Plan toward prevention and participation, the city is pursuing a future-oriented, inclusive, and participatory youth policy. The active inclusion of young people—such as in the Youth Parliament—is central. The next steps will show how these plans are implemented in practice and what effects they will have on the lives of young people in Jena.