Heerlen Presents a Balanced Budget for 2027
The Municipal Executive is proud to present a balanced budget for 2027 to the City Council. The total amount is €548.8 million, which includes room for investments. The City Council continues to build a strong, socially inclusive city while simultaneously making choices to keep the budget balanced in the coming years. This is the new City Council’s first budget and thus reflects the coalition agreement.
Investing in the City
Heerlen is committed to quality growth. This is important for strengthening neighborhoods, maintaining local services, and offering new opportunities to residents. That is why the municipality is investing in the implementation of plans for housing, the economy, and education, among other areas. Making the city more sustainable also contributes to a strong and livable city. Through the Sustainability Initiative, the city is helping residents make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and affordable.
In downtown Heerlen, we are continuing to develop the city center. The new Roman Museum strengthens culture, heritage, and identity. The development of Heerlen as a city of knowledge remains a key priority. Heerlen is open for business. That is why we are working together with Brightlands and the MedTech sector, among others, to strengthen the economic position of Heerlen and the South Limburg region.
In Heerlen-Noord, the municipality is working with the National Program for Heerlen-Noord to strengthen the neighborhoods. In 2027, the municipality will allocate funds for the development of the Varenbeuk. In addition, Heerlen is setting aside €1 million for the “Beautiful Focus Neighborhoods” Implementation Program. Through this program, the municipality is working to improve the living environment in Vrieheide, GMS, and Hoofdstraat West.
In the coming years, the municipal executive will make room for investments in amenities, public spaces, the economy, and safety in Hoensbroek-Centrum. The goal is to create an attractive and vibrant downtown.
Investing in Residents
Heerlen is also investing in people and communities. Safety is a key foundation for this. In addition to preventive programs, the municipality is investing in a new camera system and additional capacity for the Bibob approach. The hospital strategy also remains a priority. Its implementation focuses on prevention, innovation, and acute emergency care close to residents.
Young people are given plenty of opportunities to participate and grow. That is why Heerlen is focusing on youth policy, among other things, and why education is a priority. The arrival of Maastricht University is significant. There is also room, for example, to relocate Herlecollege.
In addition, Heerlen is increasing its budget for senior citizen services. There will also be a greater focus on neighborhood governance, civic engagement, and local democracy. Through these measures, the municipality aims to address the needs of its neighborhoods and work together with residents to build strong and livable communities.
Saving to Stay Financially Stable
Heerlen will also need to make budget cuts in the coming years. The city council first wants to explore ways to work more efficiently and cost-effectively. It will then determine which projects can be postponed or scaled back. Only after that will the city council consider measures that directly affect residents.
Heerlen is achieving its greatest savings within its own municipal organization. In 2027, these savings will total €2 million. By 2030, this figure will rise to €4.2 million. The municipality aims to organize its work in a smarter and more efficient way. This will be achieved, among other things, by increasing the use of digital tools and by simplifying processes and standardizing them. In addition, the municipality is saving several hundred thousand euros per year in the areas of the economy, employment, and culture. Heerlen is also managing its educational facilities more efficiently. Within the social services sector, the municipality is taking a closer look at how support is provided. Where possible, the municipality is sourcing services more cost-effectively. The municipality is also taking a critical look at its buildings and land holdings.
These decisions also have consequences for residents, business owners, and building owners. Of the €8.1 million the municipality must save in total, €3.5 million will come from higher taxes and other municipal fees. In 2027, the waste collection fee will increase. Fines for illegal dumping will also become much higher. The principle behind both measures is: the polluter pays. Property tax will increase by 5%, which is the same percentage as in recent years.
On November 4 and 5, 2026, the city council will discuss the budget.