The division of tasks and responsibilities between federal government and municipalities is in constant flux. Under de influence of urbanization and decentralization federal governments sometimes push difficult cases on the plate of the municipalities. New tasks and responsibilities that ask for well-thought-out long-term vision, but that simultaneously multiply operational tasks at a high speed and consume the capacity. Breaking through such a field of tension calls for strategic insight and a common vision. It starts with a process within the municipal organization, into which the external world can subsequently be involved. Using each other’s knowledge, perspective and brainpower; seeing the bigger picture together.
Throughout the years De Ruijter Strategy has helped big, medium and small-sized municipalities throughout The Netherlands with exploring the future and developing a vision and direction, often by engaging the communities in the process. At the moment many local governments have a need to formulate an active vision on living and housing for the longer term which takes into account the changing circumstances on the housing market and the land development.
Recently we have run a project for the Dutch province of Noord-Holland. Together with internal and external experts and stakeholders, we explored smart mobility in the province by 2050.