Citizens' budget 2025 - the results are in

Never before have so many people in Jena voted on the citizens' budget as this year. A total of 15,256 votes were cast - a new record. The previous record from 2021 (9,705 votes) was thus clearly surpassed. The first-placed proposal also achieved a new record with 3,651 votes (2021: 1,736 votes). A total of 35 valid proposals were put to the vote and 103 were submitted.

"This impressive turnout shows how important it is to the people of Jena to have the opportunity to play an active role in shaping their city. I would like to thank everyone who got involved, voted or motivated others to take part," says Kathleen Lützkendorf, Head of the Department for Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate. "The seven selected projects reflect the diversity of ideas and the strong sense of togetherness in Jena."

Renate Schaller, the submitter of the best-placed proposal, is also delighted with the result: "Thank you for all the votes - this secures the 3rd rickshaw!"

The seven projects that will be implemented

According to the rules of the citizens' budget, the proposals will be implemented in the order of the number of votes until the budget has been used up. The 2025 citizens' budget comprises 52,470 euros. This can be used to implement the following seven projects:

1. Once to paradise and back - third rickshaw for "Cycling without age"

2. Installation of the model of the Jena orchid fountain

3. Air conditioning unit for the "Jahresringe e. V." senior citizens' meeting place

4. Panoramic swing Jenaprießnitz/Wogau

5. A place to linger and meet in Closewitz

6. The smartest traffic lights in Jena

7. Repairing the door damper of the Winzerla book phone booth

Regarding the last project: The door damper was taken into account because - after consultation with the beneficiary - it can be implemented for 970 euros. The citizens' budget stipulates that if there is a shortfall of a maximum of 10%, it is checked whether a proposal can also be implemented in a reduced form. If this is the case, it can be included in the implementation. Otherwise, proposals that fit into the remaining budget are moved up. Unused funds are transferred to the next possible citizens' budget.

All information on the citizens' budget can be found on the participation platform, the result of the vote can be found under Downloads.

What happens next

Now that the final result has been approved by the Citizens' Participation Advisory Board on 18.11.2025, preparations for implementation can begin. The seven projects are to be realized over the next two years - i.e. by the end of 2027. The Central Coordination Office for Citizen Participation will contact the submitters in the coming weeks and coordinate the implementation.