Municipality of West Maas en Waal, De Kernen and Residents' Council sign performance agreements
Caring neighborhoods, sufficient affordable and suitable housing, quality of life, and sustainability. These key themes and their specific implementation are outlined in the performance agreements that the municipality, together with the De Kernen Housing Association and its Residents’ Council, drafted and signed on October 10.
Over the past few months, there have been extensive discussions aimed at reaching clear agreements. We have carefully considered what needs to be done between now and 2025—and, above all, how the parties will tackle this together. Alderman van den Boom-Witzel: “We urgently need to tackle major challenges differently, because no single party can do this alone. Effective collaboration is essential to achieving sustainable results. The sooner we Map interests, ideas, opportunities, and challenges Map , the more we can strengthen each other. And the better the result.”
Take a different approach
It also means accepting that this is a journey for everyone, but that everyone’s insight and participation are needed. A concrete example is the question: how do you encourage people to continue living at home for as long as possible while the number of older adults is rising and the number of healthcare workers is declining? A healthcare institution or housing association cannot come up with a solution for this on its own. They need the input of older adults and local residents. Marinus Kempe, Director of Woonstichting De Kernen: “Look at this through the eyes of someone looking for housing, for example, or someone with care needs. How do you find suitable housing? It’s important to bring to the table what we’re all concerned about, because that way we also feel the same sense of urgency and willingness to work on this.”
The Residents’ Council welcomes the new agreements. Ms. Verbruggen, chair of the Residents’ Council, says: “We want vibrant neighborhoods that provide quality support for people with care needs, a safe and pleasant living environment in both new and existing neighborhoods, adequate basic services, and we certainly don’t want to forget about young people.”
Specific actions
The parties jointly develop an implementation plan for each year. In this plan, they agree on the actions they will take in the coming year. In 2024, the primary focus will be on increasing the number of construction projects that include a sufficient number of affordable and public housing units. Additionally, the plan calls for the construction of portable housing units in various village centers to serve as temporary housing for young people who are currently unable to secure regular housing in their local area.
Why performance agreements in the Netherlands?
Municipalities, housing authorities, and tenant organizations are working together in full partnership to create a future-proof, vibrant, attractive, and sustainable housing stock. They are doing this primarily for the target groups of social housing, in communities and neighborhoods where people enjoy living.