Oberbergischer Kreis: Monthly Review February 2026

Climate Change, Health, and Culture in Focus

What was important this month

• The Committee for Environment, Climate, Agriculture, and Consumer Affairs adopted the Landscape Plan "Oberberg-South" and supported a AI-based flood management system.
• The Committee for Health and Emergency Preparedness continued the Pact for Public Health Services and decided on the Renewal of the Psychiatry Advisory Board.
• The Committee for Social Affairs, Family, and Culture announced the Culture Grant 2026 and discussed local care planning.
• Grant money amounting to 5,000 Euros was awarded to nature conservation associations.
• The appointment of secretaries and co-signers of meeting minutes was decided in several committees – a step towards transparency.

Environment and Climate: New Directions Set

The Committee for Environment, Climate, Agriculture, and Consumer Affairs passed several measures aimed at strengthening climate resilience in the Oberbergischer Kreis. A central element is the Landscape Plan "Oberberg-South", which applies to the sections Morsbach, Waldbröl, and Nümbrecht. With costs of 25,000 Euros, the creation of a draft plan is now underway, outlining the landscape and ecological planning for the future.

In addition, the KIRa-Berg project was supported – an AI- and radar-based flood management system for the Bergisches Land. The district contributes 66,500 Euros of the own share, significantly reducing the total costs of 1.83 million Euros. The goal is to optimize flood protection using modern technologies.

In terms of nature conservation policy, the district also relied on grants. A total of 5,000 Euros was awarded in 2025 to three nature conservation associations, including NABU Oberberg e.V., Bergischer Naturschutzverein e.V., and SDW e.V. / Waldjugend e.V.. These funds support the local implementation of nature conservation projects and signal support for civic engagement.

Health and Emergency Preparedness: Structures Reorganized

The Committee for Health and Emergency Preparedness made several structural and personnel decisions. First, Michael Leih was appointed as secretary and Peter Sebastian Müller as deputy secretary. These positions are limited to the duration of the electoral term and aim to increase the transparency of committee meetings.

Another focus was the Renewal of the Psychiatry Advisory Board, which will now be composed by representatives from the political factions. Each faction nominates a member and a deputy, strengthening public involvement in psychiatric medical issues.

There were also developments in the emergency medical services. The administration is working closely with the Ministry of Labour, Health, and Social Affairs (MAGS) and the health insurance companies on the implementation of the national emergency care reform. In addition, a report on the fee calculation for emergency medical services will be presented to improve financial transparency for citizens.

Culture and Social Affairs: Support and Planning

In the Committee for Social Affairs, Family, and Culture, cultural topics were in the foreground. The Culture Grant of the Oberbergischer Kreis 2026 was announced and endowed with 2,500 Euros. The awarding committee consists of politics, administration, and factions, with one member from each faction to be named by 21.05.2026. This shows the strong political and cultural networking within the district.

In addition, the local care plan 2025–2026 was discussed. The committee deliberated on a position paper by the Pflegenetzwerk Oberberg e.V., addressing the future of long-term care insurance. Although no concrete budget positions were mentioned, this indicates an increased focus on care issues within the district.

Transparency and Citizen Participation

A recurring topic in all committees was transparency. In the future, the minutes will be signed by three signatories: the chair of the committee, a committee member, and the secretary. Each faction appoints a member who will sign alternately. This is a step towards accountability and traceability of decision-making processes.

The public documents can be viewed via the Municipal Council Information System at https://sessionnet.owl-it.de/obk/bi. The non-public part is accessible at https://sessionnet.owl-it.de/obk/gi. This digital accessibility is another signal of the openness of local politics.

Outlook

February 2026 was characterized by climate policy initiatives, health policy realignments, and cultural grants. The decisions show that the Oberbergischer Kreis remains active on multiple levels – from climate protection to care planning. In March, the focus will particularly be on the implementation of these decisions, as well as the preparation for the local elections in 2028.