Wil Houben

Wil Houben (VVD/D66) has been Alderman of the Municipality of Heerlen since July 2025.

"I am Wil Houben. I live with Nelleke Hollewijn in neighboring Retersbeek. Together we have 7 sons and 6 grandchildren. A French water dog gives our life extra color.

50 years(!) ago, I followed the Heerlen City Council from the press stand as a young correspondent for "de Limburger." For a few years I was a history and political science teacher at Grotius College. Around age 27 I landed on the "plush" in Heerlen as a council member. 43 years ago already; where is the time? The re-division with Hoensbroek had just been completed. Nineteen years of council membership, more than seven of which as Alderman, have brought me much. And vice versa also Heerlen, I hope.

There followed a "transfer" to housing corporation Wonen Zuid, where I was regional director of Parkstad Limburg and Central Limburg. I then transferred as director to MKB-Limburg, co-founded Ondernemend Limburg and was allowed to lead the Limburg Chamber of Commerce. Over the past 10 years, I returned to my "roots" and worked in Parkstad Limburg again as mayor of Voerendaal.

I love city and region. I grew up in the Heilust, lived in Heerlen for 50 years and the last 10 years in Voerendaal. 2.5 kilometers past Ten Esschen in Retersbeek. Within ten minutes I am in the center of Heerlen. I enjoy the small scale of my village, but love the dynamics of the city at least as much. Heerlen is my old love; "old love does not rust!

VVD and D66 have asked me to return to the political administration of Heerlen. As successor to Alderman Martin de Beer who served Heerlen and Parkstad Limburg in an inimitable way for almost 12 years. 24 years after my departure in 2001, I return to the old nest. 'Truuk i Heële'! Heerlen, the city where everything is possible! Heerlen, the city that sparkles and is a breeding ground for everyone who wants to get ahead! Heerlen performs on all fronts! Heerlen, Achievement City!"

Portfolio

Economy, Labor Market, Finance, Sports and Sustainability

  • Economics
  • Labor Market
  • Participation
  • Sports
  • Finance
  • Sustainability
  • Heerlen City Councilor

Ancillary positions

Additional positions as Alderman

  • Director at WTC BV
  • Member of the general management of the joint scheme 'Belastingsamenwerking Gemeenten en Waterschappen'.
  • Director at cross-border business park Aachen-Heerlen NV
  • Director at Avantis Services NV
  • Director at Development Company Beitel-Zuid BV
  • Shareholder at Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten
  • Shareholder at Cross Border Lease BV
  • Shareholder at Claim State Company BV
  • Shareholder in Holding Stadion Kerkrade BV
  • Member of the board at South Limburg Economic Cooperation Foundation
  • Member general and executive board at joint arrangement Werkvoorzieningschap Oostelijk Zuid-Limburg
  • Member general and executive board at joint arrangement Werkgeversservicepunt Parkstad
  • Member of the Supervisory Board at Work for Heerlen Foundation
  • Chairman at Regional Work Company Labor Region South Limburg
  • Member of board committee on socio-economic structural strengthening
  • Member of the board at SPRINC Parkstad Foundation
  • Park City finance committee member

Other ancillary positions

  • Chairman Foundation Events Ubachsberg/ ZLF 2025 (without compensation).
  • Chairman Valkenborch Foundation (administrative compensation).
  • Chairman Foundation for Starters Coordination (without compensation).
  • Chairman RGGT B.V. (administrative compensation).
  • Secretary and treasurer CCI (KVKS in Meuse-Rhine Euroregion), (without remuneration)

Declarations

Alderman Houben's statement of expenses and claims by period: 

2nd quarter 2025: 

Declarations are published about six months later after being adopted at the college meeting, hence there are no declarations yet from Alderman Houben. 

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