Governance in Velbert: How the City is Restructuring Administration, Districts, and Finances

Governance in Velbert: How the City is Restructuring Administration, Districts, and Finances

Velbert has established itself in recent years as a model city for citizen-friendly administration and sustainable urban development. In March 2026, the City Council and the responsible committees set further milestones in the field of Governance and Administration. The decisions range from the promotion of integration and the redesign of central districts to ensuring financial stability. Below, we examine the most important developments and their implications.

Integration and Social Work: The SOE Advisory Service

The Southeast Europe Advisory Office (SOE) is a central pillar of Velbert's integration policy. In March 2026, its work was explicitly recognized and further consolidated. With around 625 consultations and over 1,900 advisory units in 2025, the SOE plays a significant role in supporting migrant families.

The advisory services cover a wide range of topics, from housing and employment to education, health, and administrative procedures. Special challenges include pension-related issues and care level assessments, where language barriers are particularly high. The office's annual costs amount to approximately €225,000 and are supported by several political factions and administrative bodies.

The debate on the future of the SOE focused on securing its work, improving networking with existing systems, and establishing regular reporting on the effectiveness of the service. The inquiry by the CDU, Greens, and FDP indicates the political relevance of the SOE’s work—not only for migrants but for the entire social fabric of the city.

Communication Concept and Corporate Design

A unified and professional presentation of the city is crucial in the digital age for building trust and shaping public perception. In March 2026, a proposal was discussed for the development of a communication concept and corporate design for the "Velbert City Corporation."

The goal is clear: The city should present a consistent image both internally within the administration and externally. This includes not only visual elements such as logos and color schemes but also the language used in administrative documents, press releases, and social media.

The discussion around a communication concept is part of a broader trend in which cities are strengthening their brand and improving interaction with citizens. In Velbert, this is especially important as the city positions itself as a vibrant, diverse, and forward-looking municipality.

District Development: The ISEK "Quartier U"

Velbert has embarked on a path to redesign the central urban image. The Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK) "Quartier U" is the central instrument in this effort. It encompasses 28 projects with a total volume of €35.89 million.

The measures range from the redesign of the town hall square and the redevelopment of problematic properties to the creation of a district center on Friedrichstraße. Particular attention is paid to social infrastructure, culture, and education. The former mayor's house is being converted into a center for counseling, seminars, and cultural offerings.

Funding comes from urban development promotion (FRL 2023), municipal own funds, and private investors. The project duration is ten years, with starter projects such as the redesign of schoolyards and the lighting of the PanoramaRadweg planned for the coming years.

The debate surrounding the ISEK shows that Velbert is not just building but also thinking—about sustainability, participation, and social diversity. The district conference, on-site management, and an external district management coordinate the processes to actively involve citizens in the planning.

Governance and Finances: The BVG Consolidated Report

The Participation Administration Company (BVG) Velbert mbH is a 100 percent subsidiary of the city and serves as a holding company for several enterprises, including Stadtwerke Velbert GmbH. The consolidated report for 2024 recorded a loss of €67.8 million, raising political and financial concerns.

The management of the BVG, consisting of Mayor Dirk Lukrafka and Treasurer Christoph Peitz, received remuneration of €6,000 and €11,000 respectively in 2024. The supervisory board, composed of 17 members, received a total remuneration of €45,000.

The debate on financial transparency and the governance of the BVG is not new in Velbert, but it is gaining relevance in times of economic uncertainty. The city plans to cushion losses through a subordinated shareholder loan and to use the Velbert cash pool for liquidity needs.

The financial planning for 2025 forecasts a further loss of €9.6 million, underscoring the need for a stable financial structure. The BVG is an example of how governance in municipalities has not only political but also economic dimensions.

Outlook: Velbert as a Model City for Governance

The decisions and debates in March 2026 show that Velbert deliberately positions itself as a city with a clear governance structure and transparent administration. Whether in integration, district development, or financial planning—the city is focusing on networking, citizen participation, and long-term planning.

The challenges are significant, but the strategy is clear: Velbert wants not only to grow but also to shape its development sustainably and inclusively. With a strong focus on Governance and Administration, the city has laid the foundations to continue its progress in the coming years—and perhaps even serve as a model for other municipalities.