Redirection of the budgeting process for the year 2019-2020

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In the city of Pforzheim, a significant shift is underway as the city administration and council members work together to restructure the budget-setting procedure. The focus for the upcoming 2019/2020 double budget is on setting priorities, addressing long-standing issues, and fostering a sustainable future.

Mayor Dirk Büscher, responsible for Education and Sports, has earmarked several key areas for investment. These include the expansion of full-day offers at schools and the digitalization of schools. Additionally, investments in school buildings will continue to be a budget priority. In the realm of Youth and Social Services, overseen by Mayor Sibylle Schuessler, the expansion of daycare facilities, combating and preventing child poverty, and focusing more on care services for the elderly are top priorities.

The city's transport policy is set to undergo changes as well. The expansion of cycle paths and the promotion of e-mobility are currently under-prioritized and will be given more attention moving forward. Achieving a balanced budget is the top priority, and this will be accomplished with discipline, according to Mayor Büscher.

First Mayor Dirk Buescher has also reaffirmed the importance of the political dialogue on the budget as a crucial turning point for Department IV. The successful "City Patrol" model will be expanded in terms of security in this department.

The establishment of a "waste police" is an important milestone for the city society in Department IV. The city administration and city council members, including Mayors Peter Boch, Dirk Büscher, and Sibylle Schüssler, are involved in the discussions.

The double budget 2019/2020 focus points are being discussed in advance in the city council. The Mayor expects a moderate reduction of 10 points in the trade tax for the double budget. However, only realistic plans should be included in the budget, and those unlikely to be implemented due to personnel or capacity reasons should be omitted.

The city must develop further consolidation proposals by 2019 at the latest. The city aims to address the existing maintenance backlog and implement modernizations, requiring additional financial expenditures while adhering to savings measures. Future-proof mobility is an important component of a climate adaptation strategy, along with the development of green and open spaces.

Healy Schuessler, overseeing Youth and Social Services, also aims to improve sports promotion regulations and engage in dialogue with the city council despite financial constraints. The growing city should ensure adequate infrastructure for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

The expansion of childcare places, school renovation, industrial site development, digitalization, bathing landscape, sports promotion, road construction/renovation, and the East City Center project are initial action priorities presented. The city of Pforzheim is restructuring its budget-setting procedure in a bid to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for its residents.