Every resident of Utrecht should be able to be heard, take part, and have real influence on decisions that affect the city. Everyone has the right to affordable housing and to live in a green, healthy, and livable city.
In practice this is not the case. The municipal council often fails to actively involve residents. Utrecht is becoming increasingly unaffordable, driven by excessive growth, while investments in social policy, green space, and participation are being reduced. These developments affect all residents — including long-term residents, students, newcomers, and international residents.
This needs to change. Since 2022, EenUtrecht has held one seat on the municipal council. In that time, many of our motions and proposals have been adopted. With greater support, we can have a stronger impact on municipal policy.
EenUtrecht puts residents and neighborhoods at the center of municipal decision-making. We work towards a city where everyone who lives, studies, or works in Utrecht can feel at home and participate fully. Our programme is built around eight key themes.
EenUtrecht aims to give residents, neighborhood entrepreneurs, and users of local facilities real influence over decisions affecting their street, neighborhood, and the city as a whole. Residents of Utrecht should have a stronger and more direct role in municipal decision-making through citizens’ assemblies (with randomly selected residents) and referendums.
We support renewed neighborhood and district councils, greater room for opposing voices from interest groups that represent vulnerable and unheard residents, and the establishment of a fund for independent media, investigative journalism, and public debate platforms.
These measures contribute to greater trust in local government, reduce the distance between the municipality and residents, and strengthen local democracy. Greater resident involvement in municipal plans leads to a fairer and more cohesive city and helps prevent the growing number of legal objections and requests under the Open Government Act (Woo)
EenUtrecht is committed to actively combating discrimination and bullying across all areas of city life, including education, public spaces, workplaces, and sports. Reporting mechanisms will be accessible and actively promoted. Diversity is not only acknowledged, but valued as a strength of the city.
The municipality should set the example through inclusive procurement and by working with schools and local organisations to ensure that every student can access an internship or work placement. All municipal services, facilities, and public spaces must be fully accessible to people with disabilities, and Utrecht will work with companies that demonstrably promote diversity and equal opportunities.
These measures will ensure that no one is excluded and that all residents of Utrecht can be themselves, contributing to a healthier, more inclusive city, and economically innovative city that provides social and cultural enrichment.
EenUtrecht wants to continue supporting new housing developments while also making it easier to share homes and simplifying the rules for extending living space. We will increase funding for energy-efficient living, for example by supporting cost-effective solar panels and other sustainable home improvements. We support stricter rules for the real estate market such as including minimum requirements for affordable social housing and owner-occupied homes, limits on rental and purchase prices for new construction, and giving priority to Utrecht residents.
These measures ensure that residents can continue to live affordably in Utrecht. They also make it possible for everyone who studies, works, runs a business, or is seeking a safe place to live in the city to find an affordable home.
EenUtrecht wants the city to grow in a way that meets regional housing needs while maintaining livability and, where possible, a small-scale character that respects existing neighbourhoods. This includes accelerating construction in the polder and developing more homes in Groot Rijnenburg to relieve pressure on the city, as well as new housing in the city where it fits the character of the neighbourhood.
Green, neighbourhood-focused growth means more trees, greenery, and local facilities per home, not less. More residents will naturally increase traffic, but priority will be given to pedestrians and cyclists, public transport will be strengthened, and intensive measures will be taken to improve traffic safety. This approach ensures that today’s neighbourhoods and tomorrow’s residential areas remain liveable, with green spaces and facilities expanding alongside the increasing number of homes.
EenUtrecht wants residents to have more influence, support, and resources to improve and manage their own streets, neighbourhoods, and local environment — wherever they wish and always within clear agreements with the municipal council.
Local residents’ and neighbourhood organisations will be given more space where possible, and in some cases take over certain tasks from the municipality. This strengthens the influence of residents, makes neighbourhoods safer and more pleasant, while also providing improved municipal services at reduced costs.
EenUtrecht wants an open and approachable municipal administration, with reliable contact persons, clear rules, and genuine dialogue between residents and the municipality. This means more personal attention, accessible and transparent services, especially for residents who need extra support from the municipality.
The municipality should work alongside residents, not against them — without complicated forms or long procedures. This ensures that support for people living in poverty reaches those who need it most, reduces the number of legal disputes, and makes local government truly work for the people of Utrecht.
EenUtrecht wants everyone who can and wishes to work to have access to affordable and meaningful employment. Support will be provided to jobseekers, including neighbourhood jobs for people dealing with long-term unemployment, for example within local residents’ and community organisations.
Small and starting neighbourhood businesses will also receive support, such as guidance in launching or growing their business and assistance in finding affordable commercial space. This ensures that every resident of Utrecht can earn an independent income, preferably through paid work.
EenUtrecht wants a city where every resident can live healthily and move safely through public spaces. We will provide more space and funding for local meeting places, community connections, neighbourhood sports, and cultural activities.
Budget cuts to social support, (youth) care, shelters, special assistance, community programmes, and safety will be reversed. Generous support for parents and children affected by the childcare benefits scandal, a direct approach for residents with problematic debts, and additional measures to strengthen and support mental health of young Utrecht residents. All neighbourhoods will be clean and quiet at night. Together, these measures contribute to a connected, caring, healthy, and safe Utrecht.
