Budget 2026 in balance: Zoetermeer keeps residents out of the wind

Finance Councilman Jan Iedema looks back proudly on a period of government in which projects were completed and launched. "In our assignment we had expressed the ambition to bring balance to the city. This is not only about money, but also about how we live, work and live together. Together with city council, residents and employees, we translated this, for example, into an Environmental Vision and a Spatial Strategy. That is a task that looks many years beyond this administrative period." Iedema emphasized that because of the uncertain funding from the state, budgeting must be prudent, without putting too much stress on our residents and business owners. "We have done what was necessary and imagine the same for 2026."

"Staying in balance in a world that is by no means in balance is not an easy task," states Iedema. "We have big ambitions and really need to be able to keep investing in the city. For next year we have been able to make a substantial internal cutback despite the investments, for the years that follow we still have to reckon with the ravine that municipalities have been presented with." Together with the other municipalities, Zoetermeer continues to work to ensure that when tasks come from the central government, the financial resources to match can also be expected. Despite the government's uncertain fixed contributions, Zoetermeer did receive extra money to address problems in vulnerable neighborhoods. Budget 2026 provides room for good care and livelihood for residents, an accessible city, sustainability and mobility. Step by step, the cost of youth aid will be reduced to normal proportions. Zoetermeer wants entrepreneurs to be given room to keep innovating and associations, organizations and volunteers to continue to be valued.

The Program Budget was adopted at the Nov. 10 council meeting. The accompanying documents can be found at Budget at a Glance | Program Budget 2026-2029.