Wassenaar Presents the 2027 Budget: Financial Stability and Room for Investment
The municipality of Wassenaar is presenting a balanced and future-proof budget for 2027. This is the new municipal executive’s first budget and, as such, marks the moment when the commitments outlined in the 2026–2030 Cooperation Agreement are further put into practice. With a budget of 101 million euros, the municipal executive is keeping the finances healthy and ensuring there remains room to invest in Wassenaar and in services that are important to residents. By making tough decisions in a timely manner and cutting costs where necessary in recent years, Wassenaar is in good financial shape. This allows us to continue investing in the future of our town, while also taking into account the financial challenges that lie ahead in the coming years.
Continue to invest in Wassenaar
We continue to invest in the quality of life and future of Wassenaar. Our financial resources provide the foundation for this. We are investing in sports, education, Health , and safety, as well as in public spaces and traffic safety. Investments include the renovation of De Warenar and Raadhuis De Paauw, making schools more sustainable and renovating them, and a new municipal maintenance yard. We are also allocating funds for the maintenance of roads, public spaces, and more activities in the town center. There remains room for entrepreneurs to grow and take initiative.
In addition, the municipal executive is making room for housing construction and spatial development, including through the Environmental Vision. Efforts are also being made to speed up the permitting process, so that residents and business owners receive clarity more quickly. Additional funding will be made available to address subversion, and a Bibob coordinator will be appointed. Sports clubs will also receive additional support: the subsidy for youth members will be increased by 50 percent. At the same time, we are keeping the financial burden on residents manageable. In 2027, the property tax (OZB) will not be increased beyond the inflation adjustment. This ensures there remains room for necessary investments without unnecessarily increasing the financial burden.
Looking Ahead
Wassenaar will continue to face financial and social challenges in the coming years. Government funding continues to be under pressure. The high level of public services also requires attention, especially since these services are supported by a relatively small group of residents. In the coming period, the municipal executive intends to look ahead and engage in dialogue on this topic with residents, business owners, the city council, and community organizations. The focus will be on how we can keep Wassenaar financially sound and ensure that essential services remain at a high standard in the future.
Alderman Finance Laurens van Doeveren
“Ultimately, a budget isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the Wassenaar where we live, work, and spend our lives together. By making tough decisions in a timely manner, we keep our finances healthy and can continue to invest in what matters to our residents: good schools, sports, Health, safety, and a pleasant living environment. At the same time, we want to keep the financial burden on residents manageable. In this way, we are working step by step toward a strong and attractive Wassenaar, both now and for future generations.”