Burgerbegroting Maastricht (Citizen's Budget)
This is the third edition of Burgerbegroting (Citizen's Budget) in Maastricht. The total amount of the budget available has been announced, a total of €798,452 may be divided among 4 themes. Of the 122 projects submitted, 93 are through to the next round.
For everyone within the Samen sterker (Stronger Together) theme, there was good news last week. Their projects (31) were automatically approved. For the other themes Kunst, cultuur en verenigingsleven in de buurt (Art, culture and community associations in the neighbourhood ), Vergroenen van de buurt (greening in the neighbourhood) and Sporten en bewegen in de buurt (Sport and physical activity in the neighbourhood), the final event during which the projects will be voted on will be on 1 February 2025.
We spoke to Hetty van Dongen, Burgerbegroting Project Manager.
In our opinion more international residents should join in. This is because the projects could also be of interest to them. It's about the city they live in.
How is it that the projects falling under the Samen sterker theme no longer require a vote?
'You have to imagine: the total amount of Burgerbegroting Maastricht is divided into 4 themes. During such a process, some projects drop out and other projects budgets are reduced. In the case of Samen sterker, a number of projects dropped out due to impracticability, which meant we ended up below that limit of the €230,000 allocated to that theme. So in this case, all participants are lucky and there is no need to vote. That means those participants can implement their project. In other themes, far more money has been submitted than there is budget available.'
You are also making an appeal to international residents to vote?
'During the closing event last year, there were a few international participants at the discussion table. In our opinion more international residents should join in. This is because the projects could also be of interest to them. It's about the city they live in.'
'Our website is in both Dutch and English. Online voting can also be done in English. Although the main language at the closing event is Dutch, all information per project can be found extensively in English on our website.'
What can we expect from the closing event?
'The closing event will have a very different format compared to last year. It will take place at the location of Stadsbeheer (Ankerkade 275) and will take place at 1 February 2025 from 9:30-12:30. '
'You will be given 3 voting cards upon entering, 1 for each theme. You may eventually cast 1 vote per theme.'
'You start in the educational/informative part of Stadsbeheer. There will also be various market stalls with information on topics such as arts, culture, wellbeing, sport, physical activity and greening. If you continue the route, you will come to the exhibition of the projects divided by theme in the last hall. There are 3 ballot boxes at the exit and you place your voting card in the corresponding ballot box.'
'It is also possible to take a guided tour (in Dutch) with a guide from Stadsbeheer who will update you on everything concerning Stadsbeheer. From sorting rubbish in Maastricht to how the streets are strewn with grit during slippery weather.'
Online voting
'Online voting will be possible for the first time this year and, as mentioned earlier, this can also be done in English. Online voting can be done from 20 January to 26 January 2025. '
So if you don’t yet speak enough Dutch to attend the closing event, it may be a better idea to vote online because that’s where the information is available in English?
'True, but of course if you are going to speak with the people at the information market or with the project participants, many of them can also speak English. So when in doubt, it is still nice to go there and speak to the people yourself. Besides, it is also a good time to do some networking. '
'Plus the votes at the live event count for 60% in the whole. Online votes count for 40%. Project initiators will be told on 1 February 2025 whether their project has a chance of receiving funding. '
'With 3 years of Burgerbegroting, we have already implemented 114 projects and there are very nice ideas among them. You can find them all on our website.'
True! We make grateful use of the Kinderplattegrond at the expat centre. Which shows all the best places in Maastricht for children to play and learn and have fun, formatted in 4 languages, making it ideal for families with children.
'Great to hear. This year as well, there are some great ideas that all contribute to the quality of life in this city, culture, sport and connection. Be sure to have a look at our website and have your voice heard!'
