What does the BVV do?

• The Bezirksverordnetenversammlung (BVV) is the political representation of citizens in the district (Bezirk). It discusses and decides on many matters concerning the district.
• The BVV passes motions and recommendations that are implemented by the district office (Bezirksamt). It also decides on the district budget, i.e. what the money in the district is spent on.
• After the election, the BVV elects the district office (Bezirksamt), i.e. the mayor and several councilors. They are elected by simple majority and lead the district office. The mayor is usually elected on the proposal of the strongest party.
• The BVV also monitors the district office. It checks whether the members of the district office are performing their tasks well and acting in accordance with the BVV’s decisions. Through motions and recommendations, the BVV influences the work of the district office.
• The BVV is responsible for all urban tasks that are not relevant to the city as a whole. These include: district urban and green space planning, decisions on social and cultural offerings (e.g. youth and cultural facilities), planning and financing public amenities such as playgrounds or swimming pools, and support for the local economy.

Practical example: Responsibility for housing construction

Housing is scarce and since more and more people want to live in Berlin, more housing needs to be built – that is undisputed. But where it is built, how many units, and whether more rental, owner-occupied or social housing should be built is controversial. The districts decide their own development plans, including where, how many and what type of housing is built. The Senate reviews these construction projects above a certain size. For very large construction projects that are of importance to the entire city, the Senate can take over the project.