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The consolidation path will continue; a balanced budget is again in sight for 2029
On January 28, 2026, the city council of Darmstadt, a city of science, approved an amendment to the 2025/2026 biennial budget for the year 2026. The proposal was submitted by City Treasurer André Schellenberg in coordination with Mayor Hanno Benz.
The amendment will be discussed in the main and finance committee on February 12, 2026, and is scheduled to be finalized in the city council meeting on February 19, 2026.
Basis for timely approval
According to the city administration, the adjustment creates the conditions for the timely approval of the 2026 budget. City treasurer Schellenberg emphasizes that this consistently continues the consolidation path embarked upon in the past two years.
Mayor Benz emphasizes the importance of this for the planning security of local clubs and associations. Early approval of the 2026 budget is particularly important after the financially challenging year of 2025 in order to create reliable framework conditions.
Budget balance in 2029 in focus
A key element of the amendment is the further development of the budget stabilization plan. According to the city administration, this plan has been refined and supplemented with concrete measures. The medium-term financial plan, extending to 2029, aims to achieve additional savings of up to €11.6 million, which will increase gradually.
This means that the balanced budget for the year 2029 is once again reflected in the financial plan.
Positive development in the fiscal year 2025
A preliminary financial review for 2025 also shows a positive trend, according to the city. The required overall spending reduction of €30 million has been fully achieved. Furthermore, the preliminary results indicate that the planned deficit of approximately €36 million has been significantly undercut.
City officials consider the strict budget management planned for 2025 to be the right step. At the same time, they emphasize that existing structures should be preserved, as a later reconstruction would involve higher costs.
Mayor Benz and City Treasurer Schellenberg also point out that the requirements of the Darmstadt Regional Council have been fully met. At the same time, they reiterate their appeal to the federal and state governments to sustainably realign municipal finances on the revenue side in order to secure the long-term viability of local government.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
