College to finish line with balanced budget
The college presents a balanced 2026 budget to the City Council. In order to continue investing, a reversal was necessary. Through temporary government contributions and the release of reserved money, among other things, the increase in costs for residents remains limited. In line with last year, municipal taxes will increase by 5%. Despite the financially difficult situation, the college looks back positively and will continue on this path in the last coalition year.
The city must be and remain clean, whole and safe. In addition, Heerlen wants to remain a social city and unabated commitment to the Heerlen-North National Program. In recent years, with an eye to the future, substantial investments have been made throughout the city. In this, the college wants to stay the course, both in the center and in the neighborhoods. This includes the relocation of education to the center, the Roman Museum, greening, a new heart for Heerlerbaan and the restructuring of Hoensbroek Center.
Heerlen is also contributing to national transition tasks in the areas of energy, climate and housing. The direction has changed from contraction to growth. There are major housing ambitions, for example in the Maankwartier neighborhood. And starting in 2026, Heerlen is working with the New Housing Pillars to build strong neighborhoods throughout the city. By working with employers like Zuyderland to reduce staff shortages by matching housing to vacancies. And by deploying ten employees to get a better handle on vulnerable relocations from outside Parkstad.
Health for the future
Because of the temporary nature of the financial state contributions, the financial situation for municipalities, and therefore also for Heerlen, remains uncertain. How the financial situation will play out for municipalities as of 2028 depends on the new cabinet.
On Nov. 5 and 6, the City Council will consider the budget.