The total amount of expenditure in the 2025/26 double budget is around 1.8 billion euros (planned year 2025) and 1.9 billion euros (planned year 2026). Compared to the planning status last year, the budget that has now been adopted provides for savings of around 445 million euros over the next five years (until 2029). Despite the need to make savings, the local business tax rates remain unchanged and the property tax rates remain revenue-neutral.

The council's decision on the budget was preceded by a lengthy consolidation process after the municipal supervisory authority declared its concerns regarding the approvability of the draft budget submitted last year in October 2024. The administration then drew up a comprehensive consolidation package under the new city treasurer Michael Fark (took office on November 1, 2024) and presented it in December. This was followed by budget consultations with politicians.

Mayor Katja Dörner emphasizes the balance of the budget: "Despite the necessary savings, we are setting clear priorities for social justice, climate protection and the future of our infrastructure. It was a tough struggle on all sides for the good cause. I would like to thank everyone involved for their constructive cooperation."

For City Treasurer Michael Fark, the long-term financial stability of the budget is important: "I am delighted with the budget resolution and the clear commitment of Bonn City Council to further budget consolidation as part of the accompanying budget resolution. Everyone is aware that we must resolutely continue our consolidation course in order to achieve a stable budget in the long term and continue to shape Bonn in a positive way."

A clear focus of the budget is on social cohesion in the city. With around 407 million euros in 2025 and around 425 million euros in 2026, making it one of the largest items in the municipal budget, the city ensures important transfer expenditure in the areas of social welfare and children, youth and family.

The annual deficits are now as follows: €97 million in 2025, €123 million in 2026, €128 million in 2027, €111 million in 2028 and €110 million in 2029. This marks the start of a trend reversal that must now be continued.

The city's tasks remain structurally underfunded and therefore a key challenge for all municipalities. Mayor Katja Dörner: "With a view to the coalition negotiations in the federal government, I would like to remind everyone that local authorities need solid funding and a solution to old debts. For the people in the state, it is above all the municipalities where they perceive whether the state, and therefore our democracy, is functioning. Therefore, the tasks that the municipalities have to take on more and more must be matched by the corresponding finances."