Retropective February 2026: Culture, Health and Digitalization in the Rhein-Sieg District

Culture and Health in Focus

What was important this month

• A new subcommittee for Europe and Partnerships was established to strengthen international relations.
• Cultural projects, such as choral and intercultural initiatives, received funding, while others were rejected.
• Health policy was central: fee adjustments, suspension of emergency service fees, and new structures in the Local Health Conference.
• Digitalization in the town hall is progressing: online services are expanding, and AI technologies are being used.
• Education policy is drafting new contracts: the agreement with special-needs schools is being renewed.
• Social issues such as housing counseling and inclusion were on the agenda, with financial challenges.

Culture and Partnerships: New Subcommittee and Funding

In February 2026, the Committee for Culture and Sports decided to establish a new subcommittee for Europe and Partnerships. This aims to strengthen international ties and European cooperation—initiated by the CDU and the Greens.

At the same time, funding was approved for cultural projects:

• €1,600 for the choir project "MESSIAH" by Forum Vocale Rhein-Sieg e.V.,
• €3,000 for the project "Rhein-Sieg-Klänge aus Mesopotamien" by the Kurdish Community,
• €1,000 for the project "Empowered by Action" by the Walberberg Youth Academy.

One project was rejected: "Celebrating Diversity – Interfaith Iftar" did not receive funding as no artistic component could be verified. Additionally, full funding would have violated the funding principles.

Furthermore, new entrance fees for the Memorial Site "Landjuden an der Sieg" were approved and will apply from April 2026. The fees were adjusted to ensure the memorial's financial sustainability.

Health and Disaster Protection: Fee Adjustments and New Structures

The Committee for Emergency Services, Disaster Protection and Health addressed several issues. A central decision concerned the emergency dispatch fee for ambulance services: This will be reduced from €36 to €26 in 2026 to update the emergency service bylaw.

At the same time, emergency service fees for statutory insurance holders were suspended to temporarily ease financial burdens. This is a temporary measure responding to current financial situations.

Another step was the appointment of the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Psychotherapists to the Local Health Conference (KGK). This integrates another expert actor into health policy. The decision requires approval from the district council.

In addition, it was decided to purchase a roll-on container with sandbag filling system to improve disaster preparedness. This is another step toward enhanced emergency planning.

Digitalization: Increasing Online Services and AI Support

The Committee for Digitalization reported progress in the district's digital transformation. The number of online applications rose from 300 to over 6,000 per month within four years, and the district now offers 140 online services.

Technologically, the Rhein-Sieg District is utilizing AI chatbots, process automation with UIPath and EMMA, and BundID with an integrated mailbox. In total, the Office for Information Technology and Digitalization employs 36 staff and manages more than 1,800 client workstations and 300 servers.

In the area of funding, €715,000 was allocated for the digitalization of the aliens office, and €4 billion is planned for the digitalization of the Public Health Service from 2021 to 2026.

Social Affairs and Inclusion: Housing Counseling at Risk

The Committee for Social Affairs, Integration and Inclusion faced a difficult decision: the AWO District Association announced that it would discontinue housing counseling by December 31, 2026, unless a binding funding commitment was received by June 15, 2026.

Funding for housing counseling is currently split between the care insurance funds and the district, but the care insurance funds rejected an increase in funding. A deficit compensation of €15,250 is planned for 2026, although the projected deficit stands at €54,000.

The district has been covering €112,750 annually since 2021 as its share. Deficits have risen continuously, from €8,900 in 2023 to €54,000 in 2026. The committee recommended approving the BuT Regulation (Regulation on the involvement of municipalities in the district) and requesting €55,000 in additional funds.

Environment and Climate Protection: Landscape Plan Amendments and Climate Strategy

The Committee for Environment, Climate Protection and Agriculture addressed several topics, including the 1st amendment to Landscape Plan No. 1 "Niederkassel", for which a renewed public exhibition was approved.

For Landscape Plan No. 3 "Alfter", the committee recommended a decision to join the supplementary provisions of the Cologne Regional Authority to ensure the plan's legal validity. The planning also includes bird protection and map adjustments.

In the area of climate protection, €690,000 was approved for the Rhein-Sieg Energy Agency, including €200,000 for basic funding and €490,000 for climate protection measures. The Greenhouse Gas Neutrality Strategy is being developed based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG).

Outlook

February 2026 was marked by decisions in the areas of culture, health, digitalization, and social affairs. The new structures and funding models show how the Rhein-Sieg District is addressing challenges such as climate change, integration, and digitalization. In March, the adoption of the new ÖRV Agreement will be decided in the district council—another step in education policy. The funding of housing counseling remains an open issue to be resolved in the summer.