Shaping the Future, Not Just Managing It

Young Professionals Visit SenStadt

Text by Jonas Koch | Junior Communications and Marketing Specialist

Last Monday, 25 of our young professionals visited the Senate Department for Urban Development, Construction, and Housing. The department is located in the first high-rise building constructed in Berlin after World War II. At the invitation of State Secretary Alexander Slotty—who has served as State Secretary for Construction and Head of the Senate Department since April 2023 and previously served as State Secretary in the Senate Department for Education, Youth, and Family—the discussion focused on how Berlin can move more quickly from aspirations to action.

The focus was on the challenges facing planning and permitting processes, which prolong construction projects and drive up costs, with noticeable consequences for rents. With the Faster Construction Act, which has been in effect since December 2024, and the Simplified Construction Act introduced by the Senate in May 2026, the State of Berlin aims to counteract this trend: shorter procedures, simpler standards, and faster construction.

The first results are already evident: In 2025, the number of building permits rose by approximately 40 percent compared to the previous year. Beyond that, according to Slotty, housing construction is also on the right track. Thanks to the new legislation and the “Bauturbo” initiative, the Senate Administration expects up to 80,000 new apartments to be built between 2021 and the end of 2026. This corresponds to housing for over 160,000 people.

Following State Secretary Slotty’s remarks, we discussed with him, among other things, expropriation plans, cultural change within the administration, the conversion of commercial space into housing, and how much entrepreneurial courage is needed for the urban development of tomorrow.

After the presentation, Q&A session, and group photo, we wrapped up the evening with a sundowner on the rooftop terrace on the 17th floor of the Senate Administration building, enjoying a breathtaking view of Berlin.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to SenStadt, and in particular to State Secretary Slotty and his personal aide, Robin Fugmann, for the invitation and the opportunity to organize this event for our young professionals. It was a truly exciting and enriching exchange.

If you would like to stay informed about upcoming events, you can find details, as always, in the invitations sent directly to you or on our website. If you would like to become a member or did not receive an invitation, please contact us directly at: youngprofessionals@vbki.de We look forward to seeing you!