Digitalization and Governance: How Duisburg is Reshaping its Administration

Digitalization and Governance in Duisburg: A Step into the Future

Amid the digital transformation and growing demands on public administration, Duisburg has made significant decisions in recent months to restructure its governance and digitalization. The goal is to make services for citizens more efficient, increase transparency in committees, and simultaneously improve working conditions in the public sector.

Digitalization: A Core Task of the Administration

Digitalization of the administration is no longer just a wish in Duisburg – it is part of strategic planning. The Online Access Act (OZG) has set clear requirements in this regard, and Duisburg has actively worked on its implementation. Currently, 2,809 LeiKa services are grouped into 208 OZG services, with a focus on prioritization. Examples of digitalized services include child benefit, identity card, and residence permits.

Another milestone is the introduction of the Speech Assistance System (VAS) in the Service Center Call Duisburg. This system is intended to handle simple inquiries via voice input and thus relieve employees. The live operation is planned for February 2026. In addition, an application for a comprehensive time-recording system was approved to document working hours more transparently and legally securely.

Governance: Transparent Committees and Processes

Governance in Duisburg is increasingly shaped by clear structures and transparent decision-making processes. New representatives have been appointed in the Steering Committee for the New Administration Building (NVG) to accompany the modernization process. In addition, minutes takers have been appointed in several committees, including the Committee for Personnel and Administration.

Another important topic is the digitalization of council work. Applications from Greens and The Left aim to integrate digital tools more strongly into committee work in order to promote citizen participation. In addition, changes in advisory committees and committees are planned after the local elections in 2025/2026 to improve representation.

Citizen Participation and Legal Issues

Duisburg has also moved forward in the area of citizen participation. A citizen initiative referendum was decided on the city's bid for the Olympic Games. The vote is planned for April 19, 2026, exclusively by postal ballot. The costs amount to around 580,000 €, with 85% covered by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

In other areas such as Christmas market safety or online appointment scheduling, inquiries have also been made to increase transparency and legal clarity. The city has relied on clear legal bases in this regard, such as the North Rhine-Westphalia Local Election Act or the Shop Opening Act.

Outlook: A Changed Administration for the Future

The developments in Duisburg show how a modern city must rethink and reshape its administration. Digitalization is not just a technical project here, but a strategic endeavor that influences the entire governance. At the same time, Duisburg is creating transparency in committees, promoting citizen participation, and setting impulses for an inclusive and modern administration.

In the coming months, it will become clear whether these measures will take effect – and whether Duisburg will remain a pioneer in digitalization and governance in North Rhine-Westphalia.