Courtesy visit among neighbors Exchange between the district administrators of the Oberbergischer Kreis and the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis.

Oberbergischer Kreis. District Administrator Klaus Grootens welcomed the District Administrator of the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis, Jan Schaberick, for a courtesy visit to the district administration building in Gummersbach. Both district administrators have been newly in office since November 1, 2025. While there had already been initial coordination and discussions on various topics in recent months, this meeting provided an opportunity for personal acquaintance.

“Our districts are connected not only by a roughly 21-kilometer-long common border but also by numerous shared tasks and challenges,” emphasizes District Administrator Klaus Grootens. “That is precisely why it is important to engage in close exchanges early and to jointly address topics.”

The focus of the discussion was on issues of inter-municipal cooperation as well as current developments and challenges that equally concern cities, municipalities, and districts. The close geographical connection between the northern part of the Oberbergischer Kreis and the neighboring Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis also played a role.

Both district administrators emphasized the importance of a trustworthy and regular exchange across district boundaries. Many future issues can only be successfully addressed together and in good partnership collaboration.