2025 Annual Report: Zoetermeer Ends 2025 on a Positive Financial Note, Despite Challenges
The 2025 financial statements of the Municipality of Zoetermeer show a positive financial result of €25.1 million. In total, the municipality spent €574 million in 2025, including additional contributions to reserves. Taking into account withdrawals from and additions to reserves, the year closed with a net surplus of €5 million. Each year, the municipal executive reports to the city council on the administration conducted during that year through the annual report, which consists of the annual report and the financial statements.
The surplus is largely attributable to one-time government grants, postponed projects, and temporary financial windfalls. At the same time, structural trends—such as ongoing pressure on resources from the municipal fund and rising implementation costs—continue to have an impact. These developments call for clear priorities and concrete choices for the coming years. Alderman Jan Iedema (Finance): “The 2025 results show that, even under challenging financial circumstances, we are able to continue making progress in the city’s development and in supporting our residents. That gives us confidence in Zoetermeer’s future.”
Steps Toward Zoetermeer 2040
In addition to the financial overview, the annual report shows that significant progress was made in 2025 toward realizing the Zoetermeer 2040 vision. During the final year of the 2022–2026 administrative term, we worked together with residents, community partners, and the city council to build a city that continues to grow in a balanced way.
A major milestone was the adoption of the “Stad in Balans” public housing program. This program outlines how the housing stock will develop in each neighborhood over the coming years and which types of housing are appropriate for each area. The city’s development also became visible in terms of urban planning, particularly in areas such as Entree and the City Center. The adopted spatial strategy provides direction and helps guide decisions regarding the further development of Zoetermeer.
Investing in opportunities and support close to residents
In 2025, opportunities were seized to further strengthen Zoetermeer’s development. Together with partners within the New Town Alliance, the municipality received a regional grant of €10 million. These funds contribute to making the city future-proof. In the social sphere, the neighborhood-focused approach took further shape within the Social Innovation program. Several neighborhoods have begun implementing an approach that organizes support closer to residents. Significant steps have also been taken in the area of livelihood security. Based on research and a participatory process involving residents and social partners, work has been done to develop the Livelihood Security Action Agenda. This focuses on improving access to assistance programs, adopting a different approach toward residents, and preventing debt. In addition, steps have been taken that form the basis for the new Physical Accessibility Manifesto. This ensures that physical accessibility is structurally embedded within the municipal organization, with a focus on the accessibility of municipal buildings and public spaces.