Social Affairs and Housing Policy in Hohen Neuendorf – Focus on Political Decisions in February 2026

Social Affairs and Housing Policy in Hohen Neuendorf – February 2026

Social policy in Hohen Neuendorf has increasingly become the focus of public discussion in recent months. In February 2026, committees and political bodies engaged intensively with topics such as school development, youth policy, financing, and parking planning. The decisions, debates, and delays illustrate how sensitive these issues are for the city and what priorities are being set.

School Development: Municipal Responsibility Remains for Now

The Dr. Hugo Rosenthal Comprehensive School is a central topic of discussion in Hohen Neuendorf. The Oberhavel district had proposed relieving the municipality of its responsibility as the school operator by 2028. However, this proposal was rejected on 12.02.2026 in the Social Committee with 4 votes against and 4 abstentions. For now, the municipality remains responsible for the school, which is financially challenging.

The school records a deficit that is currently covered by annual municipal contributions of 300,000 euros. In previous years, the deficit had reached up to 500,000 euros. At the same time, student numbers are declining – from 216 in 2019 to 175 today. This raises the question of whether the school can remain financially viable in its current form in the long term.

In addition, the district’s school development plan aims to concentrate students in larger schools. However, the municipal school administration in Hohen Neuendorf does not want to simply follow this trend without involving students and parents in the decision-making process. The current proposal on school ownership is therefore being revised and will be discussed again at a future meeting.

Youth Policy: Evaluation of Youth Work in Planning

Another focus of social policy is the future of youth work. The city plans a comprehensive evaluation based on a needs assessment from 2022. The aim is to adapt offerings to the needs of the younger population.

As part of the evaluation, a survey of at least 500 young people is planned. The age groups under 10, 10–21, and 21–27 will be included in online and school-based surveys. A subcommittee of experts and young people will accompany the evaluation. The results are expected to be presented to the Social Committee in June 2026.

In addition, the city plans to involve parents through online surveys, while associations are not directly included due to difficulties in identifying them. Contracts with independent providers will remain in place until the end of 2027 to allow for a smooth transition.

Parking and Order Policy: Legal Security in Focus

There were also discussions about parking development in February 2026. A CDU motion to designate parking areas on unsealed shoulders was postponed multiple times. The goal is to create legally secure parking spaces that will provide relief in areas with high parking pressure.

Discussions also addressed the lack of enforcement against green parking, such as by mopeds or motorhomes, and the disadvantages for people with disabilities who rely on parking spaces. The city administration was tasked with reviewing a concept for parking development and temporary exceptions for events.

Financing and Transparency: Challenges Remain

The financial situation of the school and other municipal institutions remains a central issue. The municipality not only finances the Dr. Hugo Rosenthal Comprehensive School, but also renovation projects such as the ceiling renovation at Ahorn Primary School, which cost 1.4 million euros. At the same time, it is criticized that financing is not always sufficiently transparent.

The municipality is being called upon to increase transparency in budget and financial reports. At the same time, there are discussions about what the financial implications of a potential change in the school's operator could be.

Conclusion: Politics in Dialogue with the Population

The political decisions in February 2026 show that Hohen Neuendorf is striving to engage the population in social and educational policy issues. Although there are delays and disagreements, the city is relying on participation, evaluation, and transparency. The coming months will show whether this course is sustainable in the long term.