Decision-making bodies in the Potsdam-Mittelmark District

Decision-making bodies discuss key issues and support administrative processes within the district. They contribute expert knowledge, represent diverse interests and help shape the district’s development. Find out more about their responsibilities and how you can get involved.

FAQ

Committees and advisory boards

The committees and advisory boards of Potsdam-Mittelmark District help ensure that political decisions are balanced and grounded in real-world experience.
They advise the administration, contribute expertise from various fields and support the implementation of key measures.

The district's committees

Political preparation : Committees in the district

Committees are an essential part of the district’s political work. They serve as preparatory bodies where topics are discussed in detail and proposals for resolutions are developed for the district council.

A distinction is made between committees required by law and those established to meet specific needs.

Composition

  • Each committee consists of a chair, a deputy chair and a defined number of members.
  • Members are appointed according to the political composition of the district council to reflect the diversity of views.
  • The number of members and deputies is determined during the inaugural meeting of the council.
 
 
 

Consultation & decisions : Responsibilities of the committees

The committees of the Potsdam-Mittelmark District support the work of the district council. They prepare key decisions, advise on subject-specific matters and develop recommendations that form the basis for council resolutions. In this way, they help ensure that political processes remain transparent and easy to follow.

Statutory committees

District committee: This committee coordinates the work of the various committees and prepares major decisions for the district council. It also adopts some decisions independently, carries out oversight tasks and supports the administration in key matters.

Youth welfare committee: This committee focuses on the needs of children, young people and families. It works closely with youth welfare organisations and develops measures to support young people across the district.

 

The district's advisory boards

Advising decisions : Advisory boards in the district

Advisory boards are bodies that support the district in an advisory capacity. Their role is defined in the district’s main statutes. They contribute expert knowledge, practical experience and the interests of different population groups to the decision-making process. These include, for example, the emergency services advisory board, the public transport advisory board, the children and youth advisory board, and the nature conservation advisory board.
You can find more information about the advisory boards and their responsibilities in the FAQ.

 

FAQ advisory boards

Expertise for solutions : Responsibilities of the advisory boards

The advisory boards in the Potsdam-Mittelmark District provide guidance to both the district council and the administration. With their professional expertise and practical experience, they help develop strategies and measures that support the district’s progress.

Cooperation with the administration


The advisory boards work closely with the administration to support the effective implementation of measures. Regular exchange helps to develop practical solutions and improve the quality of decision-making.

Citizen participation & transparency

Meetings of committees and advisory boards are generally open to the public, allowing interested citizens to stay informed about current topics. Dates and agendas are announced in good time and are largely available online. To ensure transparency, minutes and outcomes are usually published.

Why are committees and advisory boards important?

Through their work, committees and advisory boards help ensure that political decisions are well-founded, transparent and grounded in practical reality. They allow for in-depth discussion of specialist topics and promote democratic participation within the district.

Stay informed!

Take the opportunity to attend public meetings or explore the minutes and outcomes of committee and advisory board sessions. Find out more and take an active role in shaping the development of the district. Here you’ll find information on current meetings and decisions:

Public meetings

Committees & advisory boards : FAQ - Decision-making bodies in the district

Statutory committees are legally required and must be established in the district, such as the district committee and the youth welfare committee.


Voluntary committees are set up by the district council based on specific needs to deal with topics such as finance, education or the environment.

 

Some committees are required by law and must be established in the Potsdam-Mittelmark District. They play a central role in local policy and deal with important social issues. These include:

District committee: Coordinates the work of the other committees, prepares key decisions for the district council and performs oversight tasks.

Youth welfare committee: Focuses on the needs of children, young people and families, and works with youth welfare providers to develop support measures.

 

In addition to statutory committees, the Potsdam-Mittelmark District has various specialised committees that deal with specific topics. They support the district council, advise on technical matters and develop recommendations. These include:

  • Committee for budget and finance: Focuses on financial planning and oversight.
  • Committee for administrative development, personnel and digitalisation: Works on modernising the administration and driving digital processes.
  • Committee for public order, safety and transport: Deals with public safety and traffic planning.
  • Committee for strategic matters, civic engagement, culture, sports and auditing: Covers social policy topics and reviews financial matters.
  • Committee for construction, economy, agriculture and environment: Focuses on construction projects, economic development and climate protection.
  • Committee for education, family and health: Works on education, family-friendly policy and healthcare.
  • Committee for social affairs, labour and migration: Promotes social justice and labour market integration.

 

Advisory boards are consultative bodies that support the district council and the administration. They contribute expert knowledge, practical experience and the interests of different population groups to the decision-making process.

The district has various advisory boards that represent different social groups and thematic areas. These include:

  • Integration advisory board: Represents the interests of people with a migration background.
  • Advisory board for people with disabilities: Promotes inclusion and advises on accessibility.
  • Public transport advisory board: Recommends improvements to public transport and reviews timetables and fare structures.
  • Emergency services advisory board: Advises the district on planning, quality assurance and the development of emergency services.
  • District senior citizens’ advisory board: Supports the inclusion of older people and coordinates local seniors' boards.
  • Children and youth advisory board: Promotes youth participation and represents young people’s interests in political processes.
  • Nature conservation advisory board: Advises on nature and landscape protection, sustainable development and ecological measures.
  • Local advisory board under §18d SGB II: Advises on the design of labour market measures.

Yes, in some advisory boards – such as the youth or seniors’ advisory boards – interested citizens can actively participate. Committees, however, are composed of members of the district council.