3. The power of doing things together!

For EVE, democracy begins with residents themselves. With the people of Eindhoven who start initiatives together, speak up, and want to improve their surroundings. Not in endless meetings, but where real life happens. Residents know what is needed and must have genuine influence over it. Participation should not begin only after decisions have already been made.

EVE creates space for ideas, removes unnecessary barriers, and ensures that strong plans can quickly take shape. The municipality should stand beside people, not above them.

1. Participation as a Starting Point, Not an Afterthought

Meaningful participation at the beginning leads to better decisions and fewer delays later. That is why we involve residents, organizations, and users at an early stage in plans and policy, not only in housing but in all major developments that affect their environment. This results in more careful choices, broader support, and even faster implementation.

2. The Citizens’ Assembly as a Structural Democratic Instrument

The citizens’ assembly will become a permanent and properly funded instrument for addressing major and complex issues. For EVE, this is how residents regain real influence over the direction of the city and major decisions. By bringing together a diverse group of Eindhoven residents to deliberate and advise, we strengthen democracy and create policies that better reflect what is happening in the city. The outcomes of citizens’ assemblies will be taken seriously in policy and decision-making.

3. Strong Residents Through Organization and Influence

The local housing statute remains an important tool for strengthening the position of tenants and residents’ committees. We will expand this model to other forms of housing. We encourage residents to organize themselves, because they are stronger together. Collective representation will be rewarded with greater influence and better support.

4. Decision-Making Closer to the Neighborhood

We bring decision-making as close as possible to districts and neighborhoods. Residents will have greater influence over choices that directly affect their living environment, for example through neighborhood budgets, local decision-making processes, or delegated powers. This makes participation tangible, visible, and close to home.

5. Working from Trust

Working from trust will become a core principle of the municipality. This means less paperwork, less micromanagement, and more room for initiative. We empower residents and organizations and accept that not everything will always be perfect. This creates faster progress and new momentum in the city.

6. From Idea to Implementation More Quickly

Eindhoven is full of valuable cultural, social, and community initiatives, but too often they struggle to find their way within the municipal system. This also limits the integration of different groups, including international residents. We will make it easier to start small and medium-sized projects through accessible procedures, faster decisions, and reduced administrative burdens.

7. Easier Support for Smaller Initiatives

Smaller cultural and sports organizations often find it difficult to access municipal support. Funding too often goes to larger institutions, while these smaller initiatives are essential to the social fabric of the city. We will provide targeted support, assist with professional development, and actively connect them to existing networks and initiatives.

8. Space for Encounter Between Different Group

We support initiatives that promote contact and connection between different groups of residents. We will do this by providing financial support for renting spaces and by making central locations available where groups can meet, work, and organize.

9. Breaking Through Bubbles

Eindhoven is becoming increasingly international, and events elsewhere in the world directly affect our city. We actively encourage initiatives that help break through social bubbles and connect different communities. This includes quickly deployable funding, appropriate instruments, and access to municipal buildings. We will also invest deliberately in dialogue on polarized topics.

10. Connecting Entrepreneurial Strength to Social Challenges

Through Brainport voor Elkaar and other partnerships, we connect entrepreneurs and companies to social challenges. This includes finding employment for partners of international residents, tutoring for children, administrative support, and filling crucial job vacancies. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular are deeply rooted in the city and want to create social impact. We help ensure that this strength can be fully realized.

11. Supporting and Protecting Volunteers and Communities

Volunteers and informal networks form the social foundation of Eindhoven. They keep neighborhoods livable, create connection, and provide support where systems fall short. We take their commitment seriously and provide structural support with less bureaucracy and practical assistance such as training, legal advice, insurance, and access to affordable spaces. We ensure that volunteer work remains voluntary and does not become a substitute for professional care.