Mayor Roel Wever: 'I am delighted to hear that so many Heerlen citizens have contributed their thoughts on an important issue for our city. This shows that together we want to improve our city. Now I hope that just as many Heerlen citizens, maybe even more, will vote for their favorite theme. The greater the chance that the citizens' council will provide advice that will be of use to as many residents as possible.

From livability to sustainability

Many different themes were submitted but a fair number of topics also corresponded with each other. For example, a number of Heerlen residents submitted themes in the areas of livability, youth, the attractiveness of Heerlen and sustainability. The working group that tested the themes against the set criteria therefore chose to take a number of themes together and make one core theme out of them. This facilitates the voting process and ensures that thought can still be given to a good question on the chosen topic. 

Review themes

The themes submitted were tested against a number of criteria by a working group consisting of two council members, two residents, one council member and the civic engagement team. These included the social and political relevance, whether the proposed theme would produce visible results and whether the citizens' consultation would be the right participation instrument. Based on this selection, a number of themes were discarded. A list of these themes and the reason why can be found at heerlen.nl/burgerberaad.

Vote

Heerlen citizens can vote for their favorite theme from June 24 through June 30. They can do this in the same way as they were able to submit a theme: by telephone via 045 - 560 50 40, menu option 4, via heerlen.nl/burgerberaad and at a number of locations in the city. The list of physical submission points can again be found at heerlen.nl/burgerberaad. The topic with the most votes will be shared with the city council in September. Then the final question will be determined which will be presented to the citizens' council in January 2025. The six themes that can be voted on are:

• Engagement and trust: restore trust in the municipality, resident engagement, more Heerlen residents to the polls
• Heerlen attractive municipality: develop positive image, attract and retain residents, visitors and families, amenities, prevent vacancy, feel at home
• Heerlen livable municipality: maintenance of streets and neighborhoods, construction of green spaces and flower beds, combating squalor, less litter
• Energy, climate and sustainability: affordable energy bills, energy transition, mega-battery, air pollution, recycling materials
• Youth: housing, meeting places, work, education, youth participation
• Vital associations: the future of vital associations

Reflecting Heerlen residents

This fall, 10,000 Heerlen residents will receive an invitation to participate in the Citizens' Consultation. From those who apply, 100 people will be drawn based on a number of characteristics. This ensures that the citizens' council is a good reflection of Heerlen society. These 100 Heerlen citizens ultimately make up the citizens' council that will start in early 2025.