Municipal social strategy Jena 2025 adopted by the city council

How does a city remain socially equitable as it grows, changes and masters new challenges? This question is at the heart of the new Municipal Social Strategy 2025, which was adopted by the city council at the end of October.

For the first time, it combines three previously separate concepts - poverty prevention, integration and the 10-point action plan against racism - into a joint roadmap for greater participation, justice and cohesion.

Kathleen Lützkendorf, Head of Department for Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate, says:

"Social justice does not happen on its own. This strategy ensures that we don't lose sight of anyone in our city - and that we act together: Administration, politics, independent organizations, associations and committed citizens of our city."

Why the strategy is needed

Jena is a prosperous city - but not everyone benefits equally. The rising cost of living, housing shortages, the lack of skilled workers, loneliness in old age, as well as discrimination and new forms of social inequality are presenting the administration and civil society with new challenges.

At the same time, climate change is leading to additional social challenges: Heat places a particular burden on older people, the chronically ill, children and people in cramped housing situations - and makes targeted protection and support measures necessary.

The municipal social strategy is the answer to these changes. It helps to identify social developments at an early stage, pool resources and take targeted action - across specialist boundaries.

How the strategy came about

The social strategy builds on the successful poverty prevention strategy from 2019. It has been further developed over the past two years under the leadership of the Department of Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate - together with over twenty municipal teams, specialist services, advisory boards and independent organizations.

Important impetus came from the "Living in Jena 2023" survey, in which 10,000 households gave their assessment of their quality of life. Results from projects such as the Thuringian Initiative for Integration, Sustainability, Cooperation and Activation (ThINKA), the Jena Prevention Chain and numerous specialist forums were also incorporated.

The work was funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF +) and the Free State of Thuringia.

What the strategy aims to achieve

The social strategy sets out binding guidelines for administration, politics and partner organizations until 2028.

It aims to:

• Prevent poverty before it arises,

• ensure access to education, health and housing,

• enable social participation for all,

• resolutely counter racism and discrimination.

The focus is particularly on families in difficult circumstances, people with disabilities, older people, the long-term unemployed and people with a history of migration.

Seven fields of action for greater participation

1. Control, planning and information - data and cooperation as the basis for effective social policy
2. Economic situation and unemployment - fair opportunities for training, work and income
3. Housing in Jena - affordable housing and social neighborhood development
4. Education - equal opportunities from early support to lifelong learning
5. Participation of children and young people - early support and strong networks
6. Participation of older people - against loneliness, for participation and dignity in old age
7. Health - prevention, low-threshold services and equitable access to care

Living together in diversity

The integration concept focuses on encounters and participation: intercultural openness, education, work, housing, health.

Jena sees immigration as normality - as enrichment and a shared task. Voluntary work and migrant organizations are specifically strengthened.

The 10-point action plan against racism supplements the strategy with clear measures:

• More protection and support for those affected,

• information and education against discrimination,

• diversity in administration and educational institutions,

• promotion of cultural openness and fair access.

Looking ahead

Implementation is regularly reviewed. The city will present an interim report by 2027, after which the strategy will be updated together with citizens.

Head of department Lützkendorf:

"Social policy thrives on participation. This strategy shows that we as a city are taking responsibility - and that social progress can only be achieved together."

Background:

The Jena 2025 Social Strategy was developed on behalf of the Department of Social Affairs, Health, Climate and Immigration and adopted by the City Council on October 29, 2025. It is funded by the Free State of Thuringia and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF +).