Mönchengladbach: Monthly Review March 2026 – Digitalization, Sustainability and Participation in Focus

Digital Progress and Transparent Decision-Making

What was important this month

• Digital Administrative Participation: The City Council of Mönchengladbach enabled participation in virtual meetings via video conferencing. This enhances the transparency and accessibility of political decision-making processes.
• Energy costs continue to rise: The city’s energy costs increased to 11.5 million euros in 2025. Natural gas remains particularly costly, with a 53% increase.
• Seniors more integrated in council work: The Senior Council was restructured and members were assigned to nine council committees to better represent the interests of older citizens.
• New Energy Management 2026: With measures such as heating modernization, insulation, and photovoltaics, Mönchengladbach aims to significantly increase energy efficiency by 2027.
• No separate procurement regulation: The Committee for Companies and Procurement decided not to introduce a separate regulation, instead focusing on clarifying existing guidelines.

Digital Democracy and New Regulatory Adjustments

The City Council of Mönchengladbach enabled participation in virtual meetings via video or telephone conferencing in March 2026. This change in the city's bylaws emphasizes the importance of digital accessibility and transparency in local politics. In addition, the initiation of shareholder decisions is now assigned to the city administration, making the decision-making process more efficient.

The requirement to keep written records was also strengthened: The city administration must document and distribute all decisions. Decisions made outside of meetings must be included in the next minutes. These measures promote accountability and traceability in municipal decisions.

Strengthening Senior Policy and Participation

The Senior Council restructured itself in March 2026. Birgitta Maaßen was unanimously elected as the new Chairperson, Norbert Jansen as Vice-Chairperson, and Daniela Schürgers as Secretary. In addition, it was decided to record the meetings and to require members to sign a commitment statement – a step toward ensuring transparency and credibility.

Another important development is the inclusion of seniors in council committees. Members of the Senior Council will be appointed as expert citizens in nine different committees, including the Committee for Social Affairs, Health, Seniors, and Equal Opportunities. This is a milestone in the democratization of municipal processes and the inclusion of older generations.

Energy Policy and Climate-Friendly Future

The Committee for Companies and Procurement intensively examined the city’s energy balance. Costs rose from 9.16 million euros (2023) to 11.53 million euros (2025). Natural gas was particularly affected, with a 53% increase, while electricity consumption slightly decreased. The CO₂ balance remained stable, largely due to savings in the cultural sector.

For 2026, extensive renovation measures are planned: modernization of heating systems, insulation of facades and roofs, and expansion of photovoltaic systems. Special attention is given to the digitalization of building automation and consumption tracking, in order to increase energy efficiency in the long term. The next comprehensive energy report is scheduled for 2027.

In addition, feasibility studies for new sports halls in the districts of Hardterbroich/Pesch, Mülfort-Dohr, and Waldhausen/Westend have been commissioned. This shows that Mönchengladbach is also investing in infrastructure for the future.

Cross-Cutting Developments: Digitalization, Sustainability and Participation

A clear trend in March 2026 is the digitalization of municipal processes. The enabling of virtual meetings and the digital administrative requirements show that Mönchengladbach is following modern democratic standards. At the same time, the city remains active in sustainability policy: With energy-efficient measures and investments in clean energy, climate protection is being led by example.

Another central theme is the inclusion of various population groups in political decision-making. The Senior Council is a good example of how participation is practiced at the municipal level. This development not only strengthens democracy, but also builds trust among citizens in the city administration.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 in Mönchengladbach was characterized by digitalization, sustainability, and citizen participation. The city is setting standards in transparent politics, energy efficiency, and the democratization of municipal decision-making processes. Particularly noteworthy is the restructuring of the Senior Council, which strengthens the inclusion of older generations in urban development.

In April 2026, it will become clear whether the planned renovation and digitalization projects will progress quickly and whether energy costs remain within limits. It is also expected that the clarification of procurement regulations and the evaluation of the new procurement law will spark further discussions in committees and the council.

Mönchengladbach is moving along a coherent course – modern, sustainable, and citizen-oriented.