Departments in the Potsdam-Mittelmark District
The departments (Dezernate) organise the work of the district administration. They take responsibility for key areas, implement political decisions and ensure that the administration works effectively for local residents.
Find out which tasks are handled by which department – and who is responsible for them.
Decision-making bodies in the Postdam-Mittelmark District
Committees and advisory boards discuss important topics and support decision-making processes in the district. They contribute specialist knowledge, represent diverse interests and help shape the district’s development.
Find out more about their responsibilities and how you can get involved.
Departments of the district administration
The district administration of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District is divided into several departments. Each department is responsible for specific areas, such as social services, public order, construction or finance. Here, applications are processed, legal requirements are implemented, and services for the people in the district are organised.
The departments work closely with the district administrator and the administrative board, forming the foundation of an effective and responsive administration.
Executive department
The executive department (Stabsbereich) supports the district administrator in key areas such as steering, planning and communication. It contributes to the strategic development of the administration and coordinates the work of both the administrative board and the district council and its bodies, as well as public relations. It also handles important cross-functional tasks including legal affairs, municipal supervision, civil protection, emergency services, and the coordination of volunteering, culture and sports.
Head of department: Daniel Rigot
Department of Human Resources, Organisation and Central Services
This department combines key internal services of the district administration.
Its responsibilities include recruitment, payroll, organisational development, IT services and facility management. It also manages the modernisation programme "MoVe PM", citizen services, construction project management, land transactions and school administration.
Head of department: Stefan Borgwald
Department of Public Order, Safety and Transport
This department is your contact for mobility, safety and citizenship matters.
It provides services related to vehicle registration, driving licences, driver cards, school transport, road use for construction or events, name law and traffic regulation. It is also responsible for citizenship and naturalisation procedures.
Heads of department: Cornelia Kirsch and Heike Vierke-Eichler
Department of Economy, Agriculture and Veterinary Services
This department plays a key role in shaping development and quality of life in the district, structured into five specialist units.
The Veterinary and Food Surveillance Service ensures consumer protection, animal health and welfare. The Digital Infrastructure and Economic Development Unit supports businesses and drives innovation and digitalisation.
The Public Health Service is responsible for health promotion, prevention, advice, and regulatory oversight.
Also included: the District Hunting and Fisheries Authorities.
Waste Management handles recycling and waste disposal. The Agriculture Unit oversees funding programmes and regional agri-structure.
Head of department: Martin Rätz
Department of Building, Environment and Land Registry
This department supports building projects and is responsible for land registry data, construction matters, and environmental protection.
The land registry records parcel boundaries and structures. The Committee of Valuation Experts maintains the land value database and provides information on land and property values.
Construction and environmental areas include building control, heritage protection, nature conservation, water management, soil protection, and waste regulation.It is also responsible for approving municipal land use and development plans.
The environmental division protects water, soil, flora and fauna, prevents harmful soil changes and ensures the remediation of contaminated sites.
The environmental authorities advise, inform and monitor compliance with legal regulations and carry out approval and permit procedures in the areas of nature conservation, landscape management, water management, water protection, waste management and soil protection law.
Head of department: Gernot von Arend
Department of Children, Youth and Family
This department is the first point of contact for all matters concerning children and youth services. Its work focuses on preventative, supportive services and fostering positive living conditions.
The Youth Welfare Office consists of the Youth Welfare Committee and the administrative services. Responsibilities include youth work, social work in schools, childcare, educational support, child protection, guardianship, adoption, assistance in juvenile justice, parental benefits and advance maintenance payments.
Head of department: Anne Baaske
Department of Social Affairs, Employment and Migration
The so-called "social department" supports residents in need. Three central areas work hand in hand: Social Services, the MAIA Jobcenter, and the Foreigners' Authority.
It includes five specialist units: Social Benefits, Integration, Counselling & Employer Services, Citizen’s Income, and the Foreigners’ Authority. Services include citizen’s income, housing allowance, benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act and integration support for persons with disabilities. The Foreigners’ Authority handles residence permits and toleration status. Counselling always complements financial support.
Head of department: Bernd Schade
Department of Finance, Controlling and Project Management
This department is responsible for finance and controlling.
The Finance Unit covers budgeting, accounting, payments, financial statements and district-owned companies. The teams include Treasury, Asset Accounting, the District Cash Office, and the Enforcement Unit.
The Controlling Unit handles financial oversight and statistical reporting.
Acting head of department: Michael Klaucke-Meckelburg
