Our pri­o­ri­ties for Utrecht: a sum­ma­ry of our elec­ti­on mani­fes­to in English!

A society of Communities

Utrecht is a city of many different neighborhoods and communities, each with its own charachter. CDA Utrecht believes a strong city is not created by policy alone, but by people who know, trust, and support each other.

Neighborhoods are small communities: on the street, in community centers, in associations, and through volunteer initiatives, connections between residents are formed.

We focus on:

• Giving neighborhood initiatives the space they need and support for the Initiatives Fund (a fund for local initiatives)
• Structural support for volunteers and associations
• More opportunities for meeting each other, dialogue, and social cohesion
• Community centers, neighborhood teams, and social organizations as partners
• Take action against nuisance, intimidation, and extremism
• Providing space and certainty to events that connect communities

Safety and Resilience

Safety is the basis of living a good life. CDA Utrecht wants residents to feel safe, both in public and at home.

At the same time, we want a resilient city where residents and neighborhoods know how to support one another during crises.

We focus on:

• Expanding enforcement capacity and boa's (local police)
• An integrated approach to street intimidation, femicide, organized crime, and human trafficking
• Strengthening neighborhood networks and self-reliance
• Investing in online safety and cyber resilience
• Clear enforcement of public order

Housing & Building

A house is more than a roof over your head. It is the foundation for building your life and becoming part of a community.

We focus on:

• Accelerating housing construction in all segments
• Building with special attention to livability, green spaces, and local facilities
• Housing development in Rijnenburg and other suitable locations
• More mid-market rental homes and affordable owner-occupied housing
• Encouraging housing mobility between life stages
• Security for homeowners (no ground lease system)

Public Space

The quality of the public space determines how pleasant a city is to live, work, and spend time in.

We focus on:

• Better sidewalks, walking routes, and accessibility
• Tackling clutter, litter, and graffiti
• More greenery, trees, and measures against heat stress
• Squares on which people can meet each other, play, and relax
• Reversing cuts to maintenance of public spaces

Accessibility & Traffic Safety

Utrecht is growing and moving. CDA Utrecht chooses mobility that is logical, explainable, and safe.

We focus on:

• Investment in traffic safety, prioritizing risk locations
• Car-light whenever possible, accessibility if necessary
• Paid parking only where neighborhood livability is under pressure
• Investment in public transport and regional hubs
• Safe cycling and walking routes throughout the city

Associations, Volunteers & Sports

Associations and volunteers are the social foundations of Utrecht.

We focus on:

• Less bureaucracy and more support for associations
• Affordable sporting opportunities and sufficient sports facilities
• Appreciation of and support for volunteers
• Sport as a tool for prevention and for improving health
• Opportunities for  self-management of sports facilities

Climate, Sustainability & Green Space

Sustainability is essential for the future of Utrecht. CDA Utrecht chooses a realistic and affordable approach that delivers results and involves residents.

We focus on:

• Energy saving as the first and most effective step
• Practical and financial support for home sustainability improvements
• Support for homeowners’ associations and resident initiatives
• Cooperation with grid operators on grid congestion
• Affordable neighborhood-based heating solutions
• More greenery in neighborhoods and a tree for every resident

Economy & Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs create jobs, lively neighborhoods, and innovation.

We focus on:

• Less regulation and predictable business policies
• Vibrant shopping areas and business parks
• Support for sustainability and grid congestion challenges
• Space for innovation, start-ups, and manufacturing
• Strong cooperation with businesses

Care, Welfare & Education

A caring city leaves no one behind.

We focus on:

• Strong neighborhood facilities and preventive care
• Extra support and appreciation for informal caregivers
• Investment in education and equal opportunities
• Attention to mental health, specifically for children and teenagers
• A long-term, integrated policy for senior citizens

Culture, Patrimony & Tourism

Culture and patrimony give Utrecht character, meaning and a soul.

We focus on:

• Cultural opportunities in neighborhoods and working spaces for creators
• Protecting and highlighting our patrimony
• Spreading tourism and avoiding mass tourism
• Events that respect city livability
• Strengthening local media and local television
• Free museum entry for Utrecht residents one day per month

Labour Market & Migration

Work provides security, structure, and dignity.

We focus on:

• Guidance to employment and sustainable debt assistance
• Preventing poverty traps and encouraging self-reliance
• Rapid integration through language and employment
• Improving the position of migrant workers
• Meeting national asylum distribution ('spreidingswet') obligations with small-scale reception centers

Municipal Government & Finances

A strong Utrecht requires a government that is close to its residents and that is careful with public money.

We focus on:

• Stronger citizen participation in policy making
• Maintaining municipal offices in neighborhoods as local contact points
• Financially responsible policies and healthy financial reserves
• Caution with tax increases
• Greater transparency about public spending
• Fewer prestige projects and more investment in neighborhoods