The austerity course remains - but the direction is right: Our budget for 2025 and 2026 was approved by the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior without any restrictions. That shows: We are managing realistically, responsibly and within the legal framework.

We are making targeted investments in Wolfsburg's future

Even though the budget situation is tight, we are consciously focusing on forward-looking projects. Over 142 million euros have been earmarked for the construction of the new main fire station, the expansion of fibre optics in previously underserved areas, new school buildings and the modernization of the hospital in 2025 and around 118 million euros in 2026.

Shaping the future despite challenges

Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann sums it up: "The approved budget gives us the security we need to boldly tackle important issues for the future: from sustainable mobility and modern inner-city development to the construction of the new main fire station and targeted investments in education, childcare and digitalization. Housing development and strengthening the city as a business and science location are also high priorities for us. Despite all the challenges, we are continuing to actively and confidently shape Wolfsburg."

Treasurer Andreas Bauer also emphasizes: "The unrestricted approval by the state shows that our budget is realistic, responsible and compliant despite significant structural underfunding. At the same time, it is abundantly clear that without structural reforms in the financial architecture between the federal, state and local governments, the scope for municipal action will be increasingly eroded. Nevertheless, we as an administration are also called upon to do our part to stabilize the municipal budget."

Focus on social responsibility and digitalization

A large proportion of our expenditure goes towards social tasks: In the areas of youth, social affairs and schools, the total subsidy requirement is around 414 million euros. At the same time, we are modernizing our administration and strengthening citizen services through digitalization - more efficient, more citizen-oriented and more sustainable.

Climate protection is becoming more firmly anchored

Municipal climate protection is also playing a growing role: we are investing in sustainable urban development and thus making our contribution to tackling climate change.

Budget comes into force on July 9

The double budget officially comes into force with its publication on July 9. And we are doing everything we can to continue actively shaping Wolfsburg - with courage, responsibility and foresight.