Governance and Administration in Dinslaken: Challenges and Decisions in March 2026

Governance and Administration in Dinslaken: Challenges and Decisions in March 2026

The city of Dinslaken addressed a wide range of governance and administrative issues in March 2026, which had both structural and financial implications. The focus was on ensuring public order, the digitalization of the administration, and the development of local prevention concepts.

Expansion of the Municipal Police Force: More Staff, Fewer Investments

A central topic was the expansion of the municipal police presence. The CDU parliamentary group proposed a local prevention concept called "Together.Safe.Dinslaken," which was discussed and introduced to the city council in March 2026. The administration proposes to strengthen the patrol service by adding 7 full-time equivalents to the 2026 staffing plan. This would increase the daily presence of the municipal police and organize the patrol service in two shifts.

At the same time, the decision was made to forgo an investment of 180,000 euros for a fixed speed monitoring station. Instead, a second mobile speed monitoring unit (radar gun) will be purchased at a cost of 300,000 euros. The administration justifies this with the higher flexibility and improved road safety provided by mobile deployment.

Digital Transformation: Progress and Challenges

In the area of digitalization, there were significant developments. The Media Development Plan (MEP) for Dinslaken schools, which was valid from 2021 to 2025, is being continued. For 2026, investments of 716,000 euros are planned for the replacement of outdated IT workstations. In addition, an external consultant has been commissioned to support the continuation of the MEP.

Another milestone was the digitalization of the Foreigners' Office, during which approximately 9,000 files were digitized over 13 months. This measure is part of the city's DIN.DIGITAL strategy. In 2026, further digital services such as the digital delivery of official notices and electronic registration of residence are planned.

Open Sunday Sales: Economic Impulses and Social Balance

In March 2026, the city of Dinslaken adopted a regulation on open Sunday sales for 2026. Five open Sunday sales are planned in the city center, including for the "Dinslaken Bike Spring" and the Wine and Taste Market. In Hiesfeld, an open Sunday is planned for the village festival.

This measure is part of the strategy to strengthen retail and the city center. The administration is working closely with local business associations and clubs. At the same time, the positions of trade unions such as ver.di, which generally oppose open Sunday sales, were taken into account. The city, however, argues with the jurisprudence of the Higher Administrative Court of Münster and the need to reduce competitive pressure from online retail.

Conclusion: Governance as a Central Building Block for Dinslaken's Future

March 2026 has shown that the city of Dinslaken is actively working on the further development of its governance structures. The expansion of the municipal police force, the digitalization of the administration, and the planning of open Sunday sales are examples of how Dinslaken is responding to changing requirements. These decisions show how closely governance, budget planning, and municipal cooperation are interlinked – and how important they are for the city's future viability.