Extra people for cleaning, extra parking spaces at P+Rs, and assistance for children from low-income families. These are a few components of the budget for 2026. The college of mayor and aldermen presented it on September 30.
In the budget. Link opens an external page it states which revenues and expenditures are expected in the coming year. Since municipal elections are scheduled for March 2026, this is the last budget of this college. The city council states that Rotterdam is financially healthy. There are sufficient reserves, and from 2027, more money will come in than is spent. The municipal charges for residents and entrepreneurs will only rise with inflation, but will not increase further.
Improvements in the neighborhoods
Various investments in the city and neighborhoods are planned for the near future. The Zuidplein metro station will be renewed, the Pernisser Park and the village centers will be renovated, the beach boulevard in Hoek van Holland will be redesigned, and housing construction in Rotterdam-South will accelerate. Additional parking spaces will also be added at the P+Rs Meyersplein and Kralingse Zoom.
Cleaner and safer
Together with residents and neighborhood councils, the municipality is working on safety and livability in neighborhoods such as Tarwewijk, IJsselmonde, and Beverwaard. A clean city is also part of this. More people will be hired for cleaning. The municipality will respond more quickly to MeldR reports. The goal is to involve more residents and entrepreneurs in keeping the neighborhood clean, for example as container adopters.
Equal and attractive
The city council will continue to work on equal opportunities for everyone. Among other things, by providing preschool care for toddlers from low-income families. And also by providing additional support for Rotterdammers who struggle with digital skills.
The cultural offering has been strengthened so that Rotterdam remains attractive to residents and visitors. Entrepreneurs—from SMEs to hospitality—are given the space and sufficient room to grow.
Past years
The college expresses pride in what has been achieved in recent years. Among other things, more greenery and safety in the small cores Hoek van Holland, Rozenburg, Pernis, and Heijplaat. More attention for the neighborhoods through neighborhood hubs, neighborhood councils, and neighborhood managers, which gives Rotterdammers more influence in their area. And important steps for a new city bridge with public transport connection between Zuidplein and Kralingse Zoom.
Care remains a concern
Challenges remain. For example, the care for homeless and roofless people remains a priority, and additional supervision and enforcement will be implemented to address street nuisance. In care, especially youth care, shortages remain significant. Rotterdam is not unique in this; many municipalities face the same problem. The college is working on structural solutions and continues to lobby the national government for more funding.
