Cooperation Agreement 2026–2030: 'Building Wassenaar Together'
The Wassenaar VVD, D66 Wassenaar, and Lokaal Wassenaar! today presented their 2026–2030 cooperation agreement, titled “Building Wassenaar Together.” The agreement was signed by the three party leaders—Laurens van Doeveren (VVD), Paut Struik (D66), and Jeroen Gankema (Lokaal Wassenaar!)—and subsequently presented to Mayor Leendert de Lange, chair of the city council.
Wassenaar is a special village. It is green, safe, and home to a close-knit community where people look out for one another and where the quality of life is high. Much has been achieved in recent years: a new sports hall, a revitalized town center, the launch of the Wassenaar Social Team, and various housing projects. This agreement builds on those existing initiatives and sets a new direction for the 2026–2030 term. Following the municipal elections in March 2026, the three parties received sufficient support from voters to form a majority together. They view that trust as a shared responsibility.
The coalition is focusing on five specific priorities for the next four years.
1,000 new homes: Wassenaar needs more housing. The coalition is committed to building 1,000 additional homes, with priority given to first-time buyers, seniors, and middle-income families. Specific locations will be carefully developed in consultation with local residents. The Environmental Vision is based on the principle of “yes, provided that” rather than “no, unless”: the municipality actively contributes ideas and supports good initiatives.
Fewer rules, more freedom: The coalition is committed to a municipality that operates on the basis of trust and simplicity. Rules will be simplified, permit processes will become faster and more predictable, and recurring events will be granted multi-year permits whenever possible. This will give residents and business owners greater clarity and ensure they are not unnecessarily kept at arm’s length.
Investing in sports, education, and the local economy: The Sports Vision is being implemented, and the youth membership subsidy for clubs is increasing by 50 percent. Investments in school buildings will continue, including the new SKOW merger school. The coalition is committed to preserving primary care and the HMC health center. The Maaldrift 3 business park will be developed to strengthen the local economy and provide space for small and medium-sized businesses in Wassenaar.
Small-scale asylum seekers’ center focused on families: The municipality of Wassenaar is currently hosting six times more asylum seekers than required by the Distribution Act. To improve quality of life and alleviate feelings of insecurity, the goal is to establish a smaller asylum seekers’ center once the current agreements expire in 2028. In addition, the coalition wants to reach agreements with the COA regarding the composition of the reception center: more spots will be allocated to families.
No tax increases above inflation: A structurally balanced budget is the foundation. Through 2027, taxes will be raised only in line with inflation—no additional burden on residents and businesses. Borrowing will be limited to what is strictly necessary. Recurring expenditures will be covered by recurring revenues.
Party leaders speak:
Laurens van Doeveren, chair of the Wassenaar VVD: "The election results were very clear; the voters chose a positive agenda, cooperation, and a clear mandate. To deliver on a smaller asylum seekers’ center, more housing that fits the village character, and more space for entrepreneurs and sports clubs. With this agreement, we will deliver on these goals in the coming years. The Wassenaar VVD is taking its responsibility in this regard and looks forward to working together with the other parties. Because working together always yields better results than just shouting from the sidelines."
Paut Struik, D66 Wassenaar Party Chair: "D66 is pleased with the broad focus in this cooperation agreement on the quality of life in our town, both now and in the future. Together, we will commit ourselves to building on everything we already have in Wassenaar to further enhance housing and well-being, with Health necessary. Looking out for one another, supporting neighborhood initiatives, and an ever-stronger Wassenaar Social Team that is always close by to offer help and advice. Building a more balanced housing supply, for first-time buyers and those moving up the ladder. With a focus on sustainability and the consequences of climate change. D66 will continue to take its responsibility during this term to contribute to good governance in Wassenaar, in collaboration with as many parties as possible.”
Jeroen Gankema, party leader of Lokaal Wassenaar!: “We are pleased to be able to contribute to this council. We are very pleased that we can work together to keep our finances under control while also working to improve our neighborhoods. Meaningful participation is very important in this regard.”
