Because we as a municipality are facing lower revenues and higher costs, we must make sharp choices. We do this based on what is truly needed: building sufficient homes, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone, and preparing for a future with climate change.

Good news: housing construction picks up
Councilor Eelco Eerenberg (Spatial Planning): “Due to changed market conditions, fewer homes have been built in recent years than we had hoped. With the Utrecht Approach to keep housing construction going, we are taking targeted measures to ensure that projects that are stalled can still proceed. This approach is now beginning to bear fruit: projects such as Merwede and Smakkelaarsveld have started, and in the coming years, housing construction in Utrecht will further increase. For each project, we assess which measures are necessary to make the difference between just not starting and actually beginning to build. This is urgently needed. Especially in uncertain times, we continue to work on what is truly important: a livable, affordable, sustainable, and healthy city for all residents and entrepreneurs of Utrecht.” 

Growing in balance

In the MPR, the municipality of Utrecht shows how it wants to invest in a city that grows in balance. This means: not only building new houses but also ensuring sufficient workplaces, schools, green spaces, parks, roads, bike paths, and energy supplies. The basis for these plans is the Spatial Strategy Utrecht 2040 (RSU2040). With the RSU2040, we ensure that these components remain in balance. The financial pressure means that we as a municipality must make choices in this regard. We cannot do everything we would like to do and must prioritize sharply.

When investing in facilities, we carefully examine which projects are most needed and which are feasible in the short term. Consideration has been given to legal obligations, reducing inequality, growing in balance, and whether there are opportunities for collaboration or additional funding from other parties. Examples of projects include the Mobility Hub XL in Papendorp, adding bike parking spaces, greening streets and neighborhoods, and sports facilities such as the Swimming Pool in the Maximapark. 

Great concerns about the electricity grid
A growing problem is the overload of the electricity grid. There is already a waiting list for large electricity consumers, such as companies. Without swift measures, new homes, schools, and facilities may soon be unable to connect. Therefore, the college will come up with additional plans in the Spring Memorandum 2025 to address this problem, ensuring that we continue to supply energy to our city and that development does not come to a standstill.