ROTTERDAM, 22 April 2026 – Rotterdam has officially installed 296 neighbourhood and village council members (wijk- en dorpsraadsleden), marking the start of a new administrative term across the city’s 39 neighbourhoods and villages. The ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Wereldmuseum, where members took the oath or pledge before Mayor Carola Schouten.
Photo credit: Rhalda Jansen Fotografie
The installation brings 37 neighbourhood councils and 2 village councils into their next period of work. These local councils play a direct role in connecting everyday life in Rotterdam’s neighbourhoods with decisions made at city level.
New term begins in Rotterdam
The ceremony at the Wereldmuseum focused on meeting, inspiration and connection. New and returning council members met each other, their neighbourhood coordinators, Mayor Schouten and alderman for neighbourhoods Robert Simons, who hosted the gathering.
Schouten underlined the importance of their local role. “You are at the heart of the neighbourhood and know what is going on. You are the bridge between residents and government. By listening, connecting and truly seeing people, we strengthen trust in our democracy.”
Councils connect city and street
The neighbourhood and village councils act as the ears and eyes of their areas. They signal what is happening locally, represent neighbourhood interests and advise Rotterdam’s municipal government, both when asked and on their own initiative.
They also decide on residents’ initiatives and draw up a neighbourhood agreement (wijkakkoord). With 296 council members now installed, Rotterdam starts a new period in which local involvement and local say remain central to how the city works.
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Advice from former members
The programme also looked ahead to the work that lies ahead. Former neighbourhood council members and the Ombudsman shared advice through video messages, giving the new councils a sense of the practical side of the role.
Writer and thinker Eva Rovers gave a short lecture on citizen participation and the power of engaged residents. The theme fitted the day well, as these councils are meant to bring local voices closer to municipal decision-making.
Work starts in the neighbourhoods
Alderman Robert Simons also addressed the council members and ended with a toast. “Today is a beautiful start, but the real work begins in the neighbourhood. In conversations with residents and in choices that really matter. What you can mean is already visible in the many initiatives and actions in the city. To your commitment, to our cooperation and to our beautiful Rotterdam.”
Over the coming months, the neighbourhood and village councils will follow an onboarding programme. This includes introductions to municipal departments and neighbourhood partners, plus training and workshops on topics such as participation and lobbying.
A meet and greet with members of the municipal executive (college van B&W) at city hall is also planned. The aim is to prepare the councils as well as possible for the years ahead, so they can take their local role with confidence and clarity.
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