Politics
Neukolln Votes on 2.5 Million Euro Social Services Fund
The ballot measure would direct 2.5 million euros yearly toward neighborhood centers that serve residents in areas such as Reuterkiez and Rollberg.
How we reported this
The Neukolln Social Services Referendum asks voters to approve a dedicated fund that would raise 2.5 million euros each year through a small adjustment to the district property levy. Passage would expand operating budgets for eight existing community centers and add staffing at three youth outreach sites. The measure applies to all 328,000 residents of the district and would take effect in the 2027 fiscal year if approved.
Why the vote arrives now
District records show that applications for emergency housing support rose 19 percent between 2023 and 2025. At the same time the federal government reduced its contribution to municipal social programs by 8 million euros across Berlin. Neukolln officials therefore placed the referendum on the September ballot to let residents decide whether to replace part of that shortfall locally.
Passage would increase weekly opening hours at the Reuterkiez family center from 35 to 50 and extend senior meal deliveries to 1,200 additional households in the northern part of the district. It would also create 22 new part-time positions for social workers and language mediators. Households with an assessed property value of 400,000 euros would pay an extra 15 euros per year under the proposed levy.
Budget figures and resident reach
Neukolln municipal records list 8,500 families currently on waiting lists for after-school care or debt counseling. The 2025 district budget already spends 11.4 million euros on community services, yet analysts note that this covers only 62 percent of documented demand. The referendum would raise that coverage to an estimated 78 percent if fully implemented.
Voters will receive an official guide by post in August that explains the exact levy calculation and lists the addresses of all centers scheduled for expanded service. Early voting opens on 1 September at the town hall and five additional polling stations. Results are expected the same evening.