Working together on tomorrow: administrative reform in Leudal
The municipality of Leudal is working on a new way of collaborating with residents, associations, and organizations, called administrative renewal. The goal is to create more space for ideas from society and to work together more effectively on solutions for our villages.
When it comes to administrative reform, one principle is key: "Yes, provided that." This means that the municipality does not only look at what is not possible, but rather at what is possible.
Alderman Jan den Teuling:
Administrative reform is about trust. Trust in residents, associations, and entrepreneurs. When we give each other space and work well together, the best ideas for our villages often emerge. This requires something from all of us: residents, organizations, and politicians.
Deciding together on the future of Leudal
In recent years, the municipality has already taken various steps to involve residents more in policy and planning. For example, a youth council has been set up, village platforms have been further strengthened, and more and more attention is being paid to how residents can contribute their ideas and participate. Active efforts are also being made within the municipal organization. When new plans are developed, more and more attention is being paid in advance to how participation can take place and what role residents can play in this. Alderman den Teuling:
We want to be a municipality that is open to initiatives. Not everything has to come from the town hall. Often, the best ideas are already present in society.
New law calls for clear agreements
The Act on Strengthening Participation at the Local Level has been in force since January 1, 2025. This act requires municipalities to establish how residents can participate in policy, plans, and projects. That is why the municipality of Leudal is working on a new participation ordinance. It states, for example:
- when residents can contribute ideas to plans;
- how participation is organized;
- which rules apply in this regard.
Municipalities have until January 1, 2027, to adopt these new rules. The right to challenge is also part of this. This allows residents, associations, or social organizations to make proposals to carry out a municipal task themselves. Alderman den Teuling:
The municipality remains responsible, but residents are given more scope to take the initiative themselves.
Further discussions with residents in April
Over the coming months, the municipality will continue to develop its new participation policy. In May 2026, residents will be invited to share their thoughts on participation and the right to challenge. This will take place during community meetings and through an online poll.
In it, residents can indicate, among other things:
- which topics they would like to contribute ideas on;
- what they consider important in terms of participation;
- and what they expect from the municipality.
The results will be used in drafting the new participation regulation. Alderman den Teuling:
Administrative reform is not an end goal, but a way of working. By learning and developing together, we are gradually building a strong and engaged community.