Düsseldorf's Social Policy in Focus: Drugs, Integration, and Housing in January 2026

Drug Policy: From Central Station to the Port Area?

The open drug scene at Düsseldorf's Central Station remains a central point of contention. In January 2026, a controversial proposal was submitted suggesting the relocation of the drug scene to the Reisholz port area – following the example of Zurich. The goal is to reclaim the Central Station and establish a "culture of welcome" in the port area. This approach includes drug consumption rooms, medical care, laundry and shower facilities, as well as security and social services.

The police and public prosecutor's office are to be integrated into the overall concept, while small-scale drug dealing within the facilities is to be tolerated, but rigorously combated outside of them. Public transport shuttles are to bridge the spatial distance between the Central Station and the port area. Funding and the timeline are still under review. At the same time, an inter-factional proposal was submitted requesting an exchange of experiences with Zurich – a move that further fuels the debate on drug policy.

Violence Prevention in Healthcare: How to Protect Staff?

Another focus was on violence prevention in healthcare. A proposal called for the expansion of the Municipal Integration Management (KIM) to include measures for violence prevention. Specifically, multilingual informational materials, interpreter services in emergency departments, and a rapid conflict intervention system with mediators were proposed.

A pilot project, "Respectful Healthcare," is planned for two years, with the presence of mediators, de-escalation training, and multilingual posters. In addition, annual reports on incidents and progress are to be published. The current integration policy is criticized as insufficient, as it focuses more on microaggressions than on actual violence, according to the proposal. The administration is tasked with addressing the issue on the state level.

Housing and Assistance: How Digital Solutions Can Help

In housing and care policy, there were advances in the development of digital solutions. The Regional Office for Aging, Care, and Dementia plans to cooperate with Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences in the "LENA" project, which develops AI-assisted support systems for people requiring assistance. Additionally, a proposal was submitted for a project of an AI guide for people with mental or cognitive impairments to the federal ministry – the decision is still pending.

Within the winter relief program, the facility on Eisenstraße has been designated as a supplementary solution until March 2026. A low-threshold accommodation and advisory center within the "SiBu" project is to be established, involving numerous actors. The implementation with regard to security and order is being accompanied, and an information event for citizens is planned for February.

Structural Realignment in the Social Sector

Structurally, there were changes in the organization of the Office for Social Affairs and Youth in January 2026. The working groups under § 78 SGB VIII were redefined, and the Conference on Aging and Care was integrated into the structure. The new working groups serve as steering bodies and meet at least twice a year. They include representatives from the administration and non-profit organizations such as the Arbeiterwohlfahrt, Caritas, or Diakonie.

The merger of the Office for Social Affairs and Youth required a realignment, which is now also being implemented in practice. The expert working groups are central for professional discussions and the implementation of projects. This shows how Düsseldorf is trying to optimize bureaucratic structures to better address social policy challenges.

Outlook: A City in Transition

Düsseldorf's social policy in January 2026 reflects a city that is dealing with pressing social issues – and experimenting and reforming at the same time. The discussions on drug consumption rooms, violence prevention, and digital assistance solutions show how complex the handling of social challenges is. The future will show whether the proposed plans and projects can improve conditions sustainably – or whether new debates will arise as soon as the first results are available.