At its meeting on June 17, 2026, the Mainz City Council resolved to instruct the administration to submit an application for inclusion in the federal-state urban development funding program “Social Cohesion / Social City.” The application is to cover the three regional areas of Mombach, Northern Neustadt/Hartenberg, and Lerchenberg.

With this resolution, the City of Mainz is consistently continuing the path it embarked upon in February 2026 toward re-entry into the funding program. The goal is to secure additional funding for the sustainable development of neighborhoods facing particular social and urban planning challenges.

“With today’s decision, we are laying the groundwork for advancing important future projects in our neighborhoods and further improving the quality of life for local residents,” emphasizes Jana Schmöller, Head of Social Affairs. “The program offers the opportunity to sustainably strengthen social infrastructure, public spaces, and community life.”

The selection of the three regional focus areas was preceded by a comprehensive review process. This process was based on the results of the 2023 Social Space Analysis, statements from various specialized departments, on-site inspections, and an assessment of urban development potential. In particular, the areas of Mombach, Nördliche Neustadt/Hartenberg, and Lerchenberg were identified as key areas for action.

Initial potential development prospects have already been identified for the three areas. These include, among other things, the enhancement of public spaces and green areas, the improvement of pedestrian and bicycle routes, the revitalization of neighborhoods in the spirit of environmental justice, the strengthening of social infrastructure, and measures to improve connectivity within the neighborhoods.

The application, which has now been approved, represents the next step in the admission process. By November 27, 2026, the administration will submit the required application documents and a preliminary concept to the State of Rhineland-Palatinate. The final decision on inclusion in the funding program will be made by the Ministry of Municipalities, Construction, Housing, and Culture.

If the application is successful, the first regional funding window could begin as early as 2027. Funding for subsequent regional windows is expected to begin in 2028. The funding period for each window is four years.

The specific projects and measures to be implemented will be determined only after potential inclusion in the program, as part of an Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK). Citizens and local committees will be actively involved in the planning process.

The funding areas to date demonstrate the added value the program brings to Mainz. In Mombach, among other things, Hauptstraße was upgraded, the public restroom facility at the local administration office was renovated to be accessible, the soccer field at Mahnes was modernized, and the De-La-Roche park was redesigned to be accessible and upgraded. In Neustadt, the redesign of Boppstraße, Bismarckplatz, and most recently Bonifaziusstraße and Bonifaziusplatz has created attractive, accessible public spaces. In Lerchenberg, among other things, the playground on Fontanestraße was redesigned, and the shopping center—as the neighborhood’s central gathering place—was comprehensively modernized and upgraded. In addition, social networks were promoted and local citizens’ committees were established in all regional initiatives.

These examples illustrate that the funding program not only strengthens urban development but also tangibly improves the quality of life and social cohesion in the neighborhoods.

The urban development funding program “Social Cohesion / Social City” supports cities and municipalities in the social, economic, and urban development of neighborhoods. Eligible for funding are, among other things, investments in public spaces, social infrastructure, climate protection and climate adaptation projects, neighborhood management, as well as participation and integration projects.