K80 champions the small and powerful municipalities of the Netherlands

During a founding meeting in Renswoude today, municipalities from across the country announced that they would be joining the K80. They did so after hearing words of praise from VNG chairman Jan van Zanen: “It is good to seek cooperation. To support each other and to make a point, to take a stand. 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 from small municipalities is unique. Based on proximity, agility, indispensability, cooperation, and partnership, all small municipalities work in the interests of more than 1.1 million residents. The K80 represents small municipalities and also promotes their interests in various networks and consultations. Chairman Mayor Bob Vostermans of the Limburg municipality of Beesel believes it is important to have a seat at the right table: "This network gives us a much greater voice in major social issues. We can now better align ourselves with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and the national government. We are convinced that it is precisely at our scale that we can contribute to the ambitions, themes, and social challenges of the Netherlands."

Reason K80 

The seed for the K80 was planted amid the turmoil surrounding the municipal fund. Gradually, the initiators realized that they had much more in common and needed to organize themselves more effectively. That is why the K80 wants to organize itself and bring "the perspective of small" to the national level. On the one hand, through advocacy towards the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and the national government, and on the other hand, as a platform focused on mutual knowledge sharing and the exchange of expertise and good examples. The K80 can serve as a testing ground for smart solutions to social challenges. 

Future plans

The K80 has ambitions in various areas. Together, the municipalities are committed to, among other things, greater policy freedom with appropriate municipal finances. Governor Emile Roemer concluded the founding meeting on a festive note with some fine words about the collaboration: "I have experienced politics from many angles and therefore know the importance of good networks. The small municipalities represent a large number of residents. It is good that attention is being paid to the interests of these residents and that municipalities throughout the Netherlands are working together to promote them. I wish the K80 every success!"
The next meeting of the K80 will be held on June 17. Mayor Vostermans is looking forward to it: "We will set the goals for the coming years together. I expect even more small municipalities to want to become members in June. I am very pleased to see that we have already started with so many municipalities. This is entirely in line with our motto: 'Think big, but act small. That is the power of small!'"