Governance and Administration in Dortmund: Structural Strengthening, Financial Management, and Digital Transformation

Governance and Administration in Dortmund: Structural Strengthening, Financial Management, and Digital Transformation

The city of Dortmund has established itself in recent years as a pioneer in the field of governance and administration. This became evident in February 2026, when the district councils and the city hall made several key decisions regarding financial planning, corruption prevention, and digital transformation. The topics ranged from the modernization of street lighting and naturalization procedures to the optimization of order-related measures. A closer look at these developments shows clearly: Dortmund is pursuing a clear course to sustainably strengthen its administration and governance.

Financial Management and Budget Control

A central issue of the meetings was financial planning and budget control. In 2026, Dortmund has set itself the goal of making financial processes more transparent and efficient. An audit committee reviewed several audits, including the evaluation of payment settlements in the Department of Underground Construction, the Department of Green Areas, and the Health Administration. These audits are intended not only to identify corruption risks but also to uncover process gaps.

Special attention was given to discount losses. In some departments, such as the Social Affairs Department, the rate of discount losses was significantly above the administrative average. This indicates that there is potential for improvement in payment organization. In addition, internal control systems (ICS) in several areas were assessed as outdated. The city has therefore decided to update these systems by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Corruption Prevention and Transparency

Corruption prevention is a central component of Dortmund's governance strategy. As part of the audit process, follow-up inspections were also carried out, focusing on corruption risks and process weaknesses. Particularly in areas such as the Department of Underground Construction and the Health Department, deficiencies were identified, including missing documentation and unclear tendering processes.

The city has decided on specific measures in response. Digital documentation of processes is to be intensified, and follow-up inspections are to be systematically introduced. In addition, an anti-corruption report 2025 will be discussed in non-public sessions to ensure transparency and traceability.

Digital Transformation in Administration

Dortmund also made decisive progress in digital transformation during the February 2026 session week. A central milestone was the introduction of online applications for naturalization, which began in January 2026. With a quick check and immediate payment option, the bureaucratic burden is to be reduced and the processing accelerated. In addition, digital appointment scheduling in the Department of Migration is to be reviewed in order to minimize waiting times and increase efficiency.

Digitalization is also a priority for the Municipal Order Service (KOD). An information event venue at Hiltropwall is planned for 2026. In addition, digital access to administrative documents is to be enabled in order to improve barrier-free access and accessibility.

Governance Structure and Administrative Processes

The administrative structure in Dortmund is also being realigned. The Department of Migration (Section 38), which has existed since 2024, has received a new structure, including specialist coordination units and a reorganization of departments. The aim is to achieve better coordination and efficiency in the administration. In addition, a situation-based municipal order service is being examined in order to optimize deployment planning and responsiveness.

Another focus was on the organizational review of the Order Service, which has been ongoing since January 2023. The results show that staffing shortages and a lack of digital processes are affecting efficiency. The city has therefore decided to concretize its digitalization strategy by 2026 and to set priorities.

Outlook: Governance as a Field of Action

The developments during the February 2026 session week show that Dortmund sees governance and administration as a central field of action. The city is relying on transparency, efficiency, and digital innovation to provide citizens with a better service. The next steps will show whether the planned reforms can actually be implemented – and how they will affect everyday life in Dortmund.