K80 is committed to supporting the small yet dynamic municipalities of the Netherlands
More than 55 small municipalities in the Netherlands are signing a new network partnership today, known as the K80. The K80 is a platform and network organization for small municipalities in the Netherlands: hamlets, villages, neighborhoods, and towns, which together account for more than 1.1 million of the country’s total population!
At a founding meeting in Renswoude today, municipalities from across the country announced their intention to join the K80. They did so following words of praise from VNG Chairman Jan van Zanen: “It is good to seek cooperation. To support one another and to make a stand, to speak with one voice. After all, that is also the goal of the VNG. I am certain that the K80 will make an important contribution to the work of the VNG.”
The perspective of small municipalities is unique. Through proximity, agility, indispensability, cooperation, and partnership, all small municipalities work to advance the interests of more than 1.1 million residents. The K80 represents small municipalities and also advocates for their interests in various networks and forums. Chairman and Mayor Bob Vostermans of the Limburg municipality of Beesel believes it is important to have a seat at the right table: “Through this network, we have a much stronger voice on major social issues. We can now better align with the VNG and the national government. We are convinced that it is precisely because of our scale that we can contribute to the ambitions, issues, and societal challenges facing the Netherlands.”
Reason K80
The seed for the K80 was planted amid the controversies surrounding the municipal fund. Gradually, the initiators realized that they have much more in common and need to organize their efforts more effectively. That is why the K80 aims to organize itself and bring “the small-town perspective” to the national level. On the one hand, by advocating for the interests of small towns and cities with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and the national government; on the other hand, as a platform focused on mutual knowledge-sharing and the exchange of expertise and best practices. The K80 can serve as a testing ground for smart solutions to societal challenges.
Future Plans
The K80’s ambitions span various areas. Together, the municipalities are advocating for, among other things, greater policy autonomy backed by adequate municipal funding. Governor Emile Roemer brought the inaugural meeting to a festive close with kind words about the collaboration: “I have experienced politics from many different angles and therefore understand the importance of strong networks. Small municipalities represent a great many residents. It is good that attention is being paid to the interests of these residents and that municipalities throughout the Netherlands are joining forces to advocate for them. I wish the K80 every success!”
The next meeting of the K80 will take place on June 17. Mayor Vostermans is looking forward to it: “Together, we will set the goals for the coming years. I expect even more small municipalities to want to join in June. I am very pleased to see that we have already started with so many municipalities. That fits perfectly with our motto: ‘Think big, but act small. That is the power of small!’”
