On January 15, the deputies for Vital Society and livability from the provinces of Limburg, Gelderland, and Utrecht met in Winssen to discuss the approach to livability in villages and neighborhoods. During the work visit, they exchanged experiences and best practices. They also discussed similarities and differences in policy and implementation.
In Gelderlands Winssen, the deputies visited community center De Paulus. Initiator of the Winssen village deal Louis Litjens provided insight into its operation. Together with the municipality of Beuningen and the village residents, this approach leads to more local ownership, stronger networks, and facilities that better meet the communitys needs. This practical example of the village deal formed a valuable basis for the administrative discussion that followed about the role and approach of provinces in strengthening livability in villages and neighborhoods.
Vital Cores subsidy Province of Utrecht
The Province of Utrecht is working with the Vital Cores subsidy scheme 2025–2027 to strengthen community power and livability in small cores with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Through so-called village deals, the province supports communities to work together with municipalities and social partners on social challenges important to their village. Trust in the strength and initiative of residents is central. With the commitment and enthusiasm of various communities and partners, such as the Community Alliance Utrecht (GAU), work is currently underway on the first village deals in the Province of Utrecht.
By strengthening the power of your community together with the residents of your village, a place is created where living is truly pleasant. We must think big and start small. Together, with vital cores, we create a vital province, said Rob van Muilekom, deputy for Vital Society of the Province of Utrecht.
More information?
See Vital Cores subsidy scheme external link and/or contact via vitale.samenleving@provincie-utrecht.nl.
For press information:
cor.van.der.leemputten@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 14 75 81 45