Mayor Roel Wever: "It is important that people in our city participate, feel involved and have the feeling that their opinion counts. Citizens' consultation is an excellent instrument for this. Heerlen citizens now really get the chance to indicate what they think is important for our city. Not only by giving advice during the citizens' council but also by suggesting themes and voting on them."

The citizens' council includes 100 Heerlen residents who give advice on an important issue that is alive in the city. The 100 Heerlen citizens who form the Citizens' Council discuss the chosen theme and seek advice from experts. This is how they ultimately come up with an advice to the municipality. The college and the city council have indicated that they will adopt this advice as much as possible in policy or decision-making.

Choice of theme

In Heerlen, residents get to determine the theme for the citizens' council. As a result, the citizens' council gives advice that is of real use to the city. After residents have suggested a topic, the themes are tested. After it is announced which topics have passed the selection, all Heerlen residents can vote for their favorite theme from June 24 to June 30. The theme 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.

Composition civic council

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.