Kerkrade takes next step in approach to stable living environment and future-proof neighborhood development

Kerkrade is gearing up for an important step in improving livability in vulnerable neighborhoods. Kerkrade City Council is preparing an application for the application of the Special Measures for Metropolitan Problems Act (Wbmgp). This measure, also known as the "Rotterdam Act," allows municipalities to impose temporary Requirements on house seekers in specific areas where livability is under pressure.

Alderman Alexander Geers (Housing and Public Housing) stresses the importance of this step: "We want to give our neighborhoods perspective. That requires peace, stability and a fair chance for people who are rooted here. The Wbmgp helps us to target inflow and thus increase the effectiveness of our investments. Together with the region, we are committed to a future where livability and livelihood security go hand in hand."

Kerkrade's move stems from intensive regional coordination with the municipalities of Heerlen and Brunssum. By acting jointly, the region aims to prevent vulnerable target groups from relocating to surrounding municipalities - the so-called waterbed effect. After all, the Parkstad region functions as a single urban residential region, in which cooperation is essential for sustainable improvement.

Targeted measures for sustainable impact

Kerkrade has been working since 2016 to strengthen livability through the housing offensive, the Umbrella Plan and the Integral Safety Plan, among others. Despite these efforts, social structures in certain neighborhoods remain extremely vulnerable. The influx of people with no ties to the region, combined with intergenerational issues such as poverty and educational disadvantages, requires additional measures.

The Wbmgp provides Kerkrade with an opportunity to get a temporary grip on this influx. In the proposed areas - primarily parts of Kerkrade East - house seekers without income from work and without regional ties can be refused entry. Nuisance or criminal behavior can also be a reason to deny access to housing. At the same time, certain target groups, such as healthcare and education workers, are actually given priority.

Nurture, invest and regulate

Kerkrade's municipal council has deliberately chosen an approach that revolves around three pillars: investing in the district and its residents, fostering residents with ties to the region and regulating inflow from outside. The measure is temporary, limited to new inflow and does not affect current residents of Kerkrade or surrounding Parkstad municipalities. Kerkrade joins the working method as agreed with Heerlen and the Ministry, and is committed to an application that meets the four statutory assessment criteria: necessity, suitability, subsidiarity and proportionality.

Follow-up steps

The College of Kerkrade aims to submit the application for the Wbmgp before the end of this year. This will mark an important step toward more stable housing and future-proof neighborhood development.