Hesse’s KommUnity Programme to Tackle Municipal Staff Shortages by 2026

Struggling towns in Hesse get a lifeline as state finance workers step in. Could this bold experiment reshape how local governments handle their growing workloads?

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2025 November 20 . 5:05 AM

1 min read

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Job Change - Employees of the State Work in Town Halls - Hesse’s KommUnity Programme to Tackle Municipal Staff Shortages by 2026

A new initiative called KommUnity will allow employees from Hesse’s financial administration to work directly in local government offices. The programme aims to ease staff shortages in municipalities while supporting their growing responsibilities in areas like infrastructure projects. It is set to begin in early 2026 as part of a wider effort to strengthen local self-governance.

Local authorities in Hesse have long faced a severe lack of personnel, making it difficult to manage their federally funded responsibilities. The KommUnity scheme offers a temporary solution by letting finance administration staff relocate to municipal offices for up to two years.

The KommUnity programme will launch in early 2026, providing hands-on support to struggling municipalities. By sharing staff from Hesse’s financial administration, the scheme aims to relieve pressure on local services. The long-term impact will depend on its adoption and the ongoing Future Pact negotiations.