As a province, we want residents, organizations, and entrepreneurs in Utrecht to be able to discuss plans that concern them. Therefore, we are working on the participation regulation that is currently available for inspection. This draft regulation outlines the rules that the province must adhere to when organizing participation. This makes it clearer and easier for everyone to participate.
The development of a provincial participation regulation began after the Law to Strengthen Participation at Decentralized Level came into effect. This law has been in force since January 1, 2025, and has amended the provincial law with an article that requires the province of Utrecht to establish a participation regulation within two years. This replaces the current participation regulation.
Engaging in Conversation
The province organizes various participation processes on different topics. The group of participants is very diverse. Sometimes they are residents, but companies and organizations also participate. “In 2022, the participation vision was already established, and we experience a lot of enthusiasm to participate and exert influence. This is valuable, as we tackle the challenges in the province together. With the participation regulation, we clarify what others can expect in the interaction with the province,” said Deputy Participation Has Bakker.
The new participation regulation does not ensure that participation always takes place, but it does provide a clear approach. The province explains in advance:
- What the goal of participation is.
- How people can participate.
- Who will be invited.
For the draft regulation, use has been made of the participation vision from 2022, examples from other governments (VNG), and research into expectations regarding participation in the province. The regulation also allows for customization. After a process, a report is always provided on what has been done with the input.
Young People and Initiatives from Society
An important aspect is how we as a province deal with initiatives from society. Residents, entrepreneurs, and institutions also want to contribute to a better living environment. The province wants to give this energy ample opportunity. It starts with an open discussion about the possibilities of turning ideas into actions. Criteria have also been included to take over a provincial task, the so-called challenge right.
Youth participation receives extra attention in the participation regulation. Deputy Has Bakker: “Young people will live the longest with the plans we make and the decisions we make. We hear the voices of our young residents too little; we want to give them more space.” Provincial States also decided on April 23, 2025, to involve young people more with the province and to incorporate this into the participation regulation. Bakker: “It clears the way for experiments with youth participation. How that will look remains exciting, but we will start with a pilot that will begin in 2026.”
Draft Regulation Available for Inspection
The Provincial Executive has made the draft participation regulation available for inspection from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025. It is possible to respond to it. You can view and respond online via Inspection | Province of Utrecht. A response by post can be sent to: Huis voor de provincie, Archimedeslaan 6, 3584BA in Utrecht.
For press information:
jiri.glaap@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 39 63 21 97
