Housing, Drug Prevention, and Integration: Focus on Social Affairs in Göttingen, February 2026

Housing Policy: Intensifying the Fight Against the Misuse of Residential Space

In February 2026, the city of Göttingen decided to intensify its fight against the misuse of residential space. A new ordinance, retroactively effective from January 1, 2026, and applicable until December 31, 2027, prohibits the conversion of residential spaces to non-residential uses without approval. This is a decisive step in a tense housing market, where according to the 2022 census, over 1,500 homes are vacant, and many more have been lost due to misuse.

The new ordinance provides for the maintenance of a register of vacancies and obliges the administration to inform property owners of the legal situation regarding the misuse of residential space. However, due to a lack of resources, a consistent implementation has not yet been possible—additional staffing would be required. The ordinance does not incur costs but can be supported financially through fines and fees.

Drug and Addiction Monitoring: Data-Based Prevention

Another focus of the committee meeting was the SPD council group's proposal for the introduction of a "Data-Based Drug and Addiction Monitoring System in Göttingen." The goal is to create a reliable, regularly updated data foundation on the drug and addiction situation in the city. This includes, among other things, the investigation of drug residues in wastewater as a potential method.

The administration is to examine how collaborations with scientific institutions and funding programs from the state or federal government can be utilized. The results are to be reported to the committee and integrated into prevention and counseling services. The proposal is a step toward an evidence-based approach to addiction policy, emphasizing early detection and targeted interventions.

Integration and Participation: Support for Single and Separated Parents

Another topic was the support of single and separated parents in Göttingen. The council has decided that the administration should examine how the participation opportunities of this group can be improved in the long term. Currently, around 2,500 single parents with children under the age of 18 live in Göttingen, of which approximately 1,000 children are at risk of poverty, according to federal statistics.

The proposal includes, among other things, the strategic integration of single and separated parents into the city's social planning for poverty prevention and the establishment of an advisory and guidance function within the administration. Furthermore, it supports the implementation of the project "Sun, Moon, and Stars – Supplementary Childcare" in Göttingen, offering additional childcare places to families in financial hardship.

Health Promotion and Prevention: From Dental Care to Vaccinations

In the field of health and prevention, Göttingen took a variety of measures in February 2026. These include annual information events on sexually transmitted diseases, vaccination campaigns in sixth-grade classes, dental check-ups for around 1,500 children, and prevention instruction in kindergartens and schools.

Another key topic was the digitization of the health department and the development of a health report based on qualified data collection. In addition, a standardized infection hygiene monitoring system in dental practices is being introduced, and the electronic reporting and information system for health departments (EMIGA) is being further developed. These measures aim at evidence-based and demand-oriented health promotion.

Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

The February decisions show that Göttingen is actively addressing social challenges—from combating housing shortages and drug prevention to the integration of refugees and the support of single and separated parents. However, there are still areas for action—particularly in terms of resources, staffing, and funding.

The coming months will show whether the decided measures can actually be implemented and how they will affect the quality of life of the Göttingen population. It will be crucial how well the administration, politics, and civil society can work together to sustainably overcome the social challenges in the city.