Werder (Havel) Update – March 2026

The most important decisions in March

What was important this month

• Youth have a stronger voice: The Youth Advisory Council has been reconstituted, promising greater youth involvement in urban development.
• Financial prudence is the focus: The 2026 budget was largely rejected, signaling caution in investments and expenditures.
• Second-home tax is increased: A unanimously adopted motion is expected to generate more revenue from vacation homes.
• New rules for dogs: The dog tax ordinance was amended, bringing new requirements and obligations for dog owners.
• Culture and festivals in Glindow: The district development concept was approved, and preparations for the Cherry Blossom and Brick Festival are underway.
• Land transactions are finalized: Numerous real estate transactions were approved, including the sale of former kindergarten sites.

Strengthening youth participation and volunteering

In March 2026, the Youth Advisory Council was reconstituted. The unanimous approval in the Main Committee and later in the City Council underscores the importance of incorporating youth voices into political processes. In addition, the Ordinance on Compensation for Volunteer Minutes Takers was adopted. This regulation is another step toward recognizing and supporting volunteer engagement in local politics.

Budget and Tax Policy

The 2026 Budget Plan faced resistance. In the City Council, it was rejected with 6 votes in favor, 21 against, and 4 abstentions, showing that the city's financial planning for the current year has not yet gained broad support. Another key topic was the second-home tax, whose increase was unanimously decided. This move sends a clear message: the city aims to generate more revenue from vacation homes to strengthen its municipal finances.

Dogs and Order: New Regulations

The dog tax ordinance was revised in the Main Committee. With 7 votes in favor, 1 against, and 1 abstention, the new ordinance was passed. These changes may, for example, refine the criteria for tax assessment or impose new obligations on dog owners. Additionally, the Ordinance on the Opening of Stores on Sundays and Public Holidays was amended. With 7 votes in favor and 2 against, it was decided which Sundays and public holidays businesses may open – a topic with direct impact on local commerce and the economy.

Culture and District Development in Glindow

In the district of Glindow, the district development concept was unanimously approved with amendments. This document sets priorities for the development of the district. In addition, a usage concept for the community center was presented and will be further specified in upcoming meetings. Another discussion focused on the Cherry Blossom and Brick Festival, where the current planning status was presented, but no final decisions were made.

Real Estate and Land Use Decided

In March, several land transactions were approved. These include the sale of the former kindergarten site in Werder (Havel), as well as properties in Bliesendorf and Alt-Töplitz. The latter was largely recommended in one of the proposed variants. In addition, the Land Use Plan 2040 was approved by a majority. This plan is a central guideline for future urban development and defines how land may be used.

Trends and Tensions: Civic Participation in Focus

An interesting picture emerges regarding the participation of district councils in topics such as rewetting and photovoltaic installations. The corresponding motion was largely rejected – a sign that responsibilities and roles within the local governing bodies are not yet fully clarified. At the same time, however, there is also a willingness to support forward-looking projects like the Fruit Tree Museum in Glindow. This proposal was adopted unanimously with amendments and could become a cultural highlight in the region.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 was marked by clear decisions across a wide range of issues in the city of Werder (Havel). Young people and volunteers were more strongly integrated into political processes. At the same time, there were clear debates and conflicts, especially in the budget area. The increase in the second-home tax is a clear signal for greater financial security, while the rejection of the budget suggests skepticism regarding expenditure policy. In districts like Glindow, cultural and event work is gaining momentum, and land use planning for the future is a decisive milestone for urban development.

April will be interesting to see how the further committees implement the adopted measures and whether the budget will receive approval after revisions.