The financial management is in order; the budget is structurally balanced until 2029. This allows the college to leave behind a stable foundation on which the next administration can hopefully build according to its own insights.

Alderman Willem-Jan Stegeman (Finance): “Amersfoort has made significant strides that prepare the city for the future. In the last budget of this term, we are cautious with new policies. We will steadfastly continue with the ambitions that have been worked hard on over the past three years, by the college and the municipal organization. In March, Amersfoort residents will go to the polls to elect a new city council. For the new city government that will be formed afterward, the college leaves behind a solid financial situation with a balanced budget. This is a more favorable outlook than previously thought. Because during this term, we faced an unpredictable economy, geopolitical tensions, and instability in The Hague. This sometimes caused uncertainty in Amersfoort and complicated future planning. The college is therefore proud of what has been achieved in this turbulent period.”

Growing City

The growth of Amersfoort and its population remains a determining factor in making plans for the city. The construction of new homes is therefore an unwavering priority. Homes in, among others, Bovenduist and Langs Eem and Spoor must help the many housing-seeking Amersfoort residents. The housing plans for these two and other parts of the city will be further developed in 2026. The Environmental Program for Housing is also planned for the coming year. By updating housing policy, it will also be possible in the future to build more accessible and affordable homes. The ongoing shortage of housing puts great pressure on social shelter. The municipality is therefore working on a new shelter location in the city center and on an approach that must prevent homelessness, particularly among young people.

The increasing number of homes and residents requires a new approach to traffic, mobility, and parking to keep the municipality accessible. The restructuring of the city is necessary due to growth, but also to address the effects of climate change. More plants and trees and connecting green areas will create a city where people and animals can live comfortably. Facilities such as culture and sports must also grow with the city. The possibilities for a new stage, where Amersfoort art and culture come together under one roof, will be further explored next year.

Caring, Welcoming City

All residents of Hooglanderveen, Hoogland, and Amersfoort can count on equal opportunities, appropriate support, and accessible care. Together with residents and social organizations, the municipality is working on security of existence, ensuring that people can participate and make ends meet. Neighborhood teams, schools, and care organizations are joining forces for better youth care. So that children can develop into happy adults.

Attention is also given in the budget for housing and shelter for the homeless, status holders, and people on the run. The policy fits into the tradition that Amersfoort has as a caring, welcoming city where people care for their neighbors and for strangers.

Prepared for Crisis

The budget allocates funds for the resilience of the city and the municipal (crisis) organization. In 2026, the action plan for combating and preventing undermining will be implemented, and efforts will be made to strengthen resilience in the face of major crises. Long-term power outages and other situations where vital processes are disrupted are real scenarios as a result of international tensions, cyber threats, and network congestion.

Surpluses in the Budget

In recent years, the municipality often had money left over at the end of the year compared to the budget. Sometimes due to financial windfalls, but mainly due to a lack of people to carry out planned projects, as a result of the tight labor market. As announced in the most recent framework note and at the request of the city council, the college will take this into account even more from this budget onwards. The college proposes to assume that 1% of the budgeted money (€ 7 million) will not be spent.

The budget is structurally balanced until 2029, due to the saving measures of 24 million euros that the municipality is taking. These measures were developed with input from residents and social organizations. In 2026, the first measures will be implemented, as previously decided by the city council.

On November 11, the general discussions will take place, and the city council will vote on the adoption of the Multi-Year Budget 2026-2029.