Leverkusen in March 2026: Focus on Inclusion, Digitalization, and Finances

Strengthening the Inclusion of People with Disabilities

March 2026 began with an important step toward inclusion: The inaugural meeting of the Council for People with Disabilities took place on March 3. The council was assigned clear tasks, including the re-election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons as well as the appointment of representatives to the Building and Social Committee. The goal is to increase the visibility and ability of people with disabilities to shape urban development.

Keeping Digitalization on Track

The council meeting on March 23 focused on key decisions for Leverkusen's digital future. The reappointment of Holger Breuer as Managing Director of Informationsverarbeitung Leverkusen GmbH (ivl) was decided, effective May 1, 2026. In addition, the transformation program "ivl>next" was introduced, which aims to develop a 2030 vision, an economic target architecture, and new governance models by that year. The merger process with regio iT GmbH was suspended, but ivl's strategic goals remain unchanged: digital capability for the city and long-term economic stability.

Financial Planning on Track – but with Challenges

In February, key figures for the 2026 budget were finalized in the Finance Committee. The draft will be completed by the end of April and is scheduled for the council meeting in May. The municipal business tax planning for 2026 is set at 150 million euros, with 135 million euros already collected in cash. A slight increase was recorded for the real estate tax (Grundsteuer B), but the revenue remained slightly below the target. Cash loans rose to 1.104 billion euros, with the maximum amount for 2026 calculated at 1.5 billion euros. Debt relief from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is expected to amount to about 157 million euros – an important relief for the city's finances.

Structural Changes in the City Hall

In addition to digitalization and financial planning, there were personnel and structural adjustments: A staffing procedure is planned for the replacement of the Deputy Mayor for Finance in August 2026. Until then, Marc Adomat, the City Director, will be temporarily appointed as City Treasurer. Dirk Danlowski was appointed as a qualified citizen to the Sports Park Leverkusen Operations Committee, strengthening sports policy expertise in decision-making processes.

Overview: What was important this month

• The Council for People with Disabilities was established to include people with disabilities more strongly in municipal decision-making processes.
• Holger Breuer was reappointed as Managing Director of ivl – with a focus on digitalization and stability.
• The draft budget for 2026 will be completed by the end of April, with clear targets for business tax, real estate tax, and cash loans.
• Marc Adomat will be temporarily appointed as City Treasurer while the City Hall plans the replacement of the Deputy Mayor.
• Dirk Danlowski strengthens the Sports Park Leverkusen as a qualified citizen.

Development Trends in Focus

The developments in March show how Leverkusen is positioning itself for the future on multiple levels: Inclusion is being institutionally strengthened, digitalization remains a strategic goal, and financial planning remains transparent and forward-looking. At the same time, adjustments are being made in personnel and organizational structures to guide the city in the next phase.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 was marked by strategic decisions. The establishment of the Council for People with Disabilities is a milestone for greater inclusion. The decisions regarding ivl and the budget show that Leverkusen is on course – despite challenges in financial planning. In April, the formal submission of the budget draft and its first review by the council are next. Strategic projects such as "ivl>next" and personnel planning at the City Hall will provide further impulses in the coming months.