Discussion of the Referendum on the Hoofdgroenstructuur (Main Green Structure) Policy Framework in the City Council on 26-27 June 2024
On 6 June 2024, we, the people of Amsterdam, went to the polls to vote in a referendum. You could vote for or against the new policy framework for the Hoofdgroenstructuur, and 59.1% voted against it. During the council meeting on June 26 and 27, the city council discussed the referendum's outcome.
On 6 June 2024, we, the people of Amsterdam, went to the polls to vote in a referendum. You could vote for or against the new policy framework for the Hoofdgroenstructuur, and 59.1% voted against it. During the council meeting on June 26 and 27, the city council discussed the referendum's outcome.
In short, what is the Hoofdgroenstructuur (Main Green Structure) again?
The Hoofdgroenstructuur Framework is a document that contains all the rules and procedures regarding green spaces in Amsterdam. It outlines which areas must remain green and where buildings are not allowed unless an exception is made. This policy has now been updated. It includes green areas and new exception grounds. These exceptions went too far for a group that became the initiators of this referendum. They felt that the green spaces in our city were not sufficiently protected.
The council votes against the new policy framework
During the recent council meeting on 26 and 27 June, the city council discussed what to do with the referendum's outcome. The referendum was advisory and non-binding, meaning that the city council ultimately decides what happens to the new policy framework. In the end, we voted against it as a whole council. So, as advised by the Amsterdam residents, we voted against the new Hoofdgroenstructuur policy framework. This means that the executive now has to work on a new policy framework. Due to various practical matters, this will likely only start in 2026. As a result, the green spaces in our city will be less well protected for at least two years. Our council group is, of course, not happy with this.
Our initiatives
Many discussions were held with the referendum's initiators and various parties to see how the green spaces could be better protected. Motions and amendments during the council meeting could adjust this. Additionally, our group sought a way to involve the Amsterdam residents who voted 'against' in these new plans. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement with all political parties on the plans that were on the table at that time.
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As an alternative, we preferred the executive to start immediately with an adjusted policy framework together with the city. In the referendum, 277,049 people only had the choice of voting 'for' or 'against.' Ideally, you would want to hear from Amsterdammers why they are for or against. Therefore, we introduced the idea of forming a working group of residents, involved organisations, the initiators (of the referendum), civil servants, and experts to develop a new policy framework through various discussions. An improvement of the current version that would be more widely supported and presented to the council before the new college period in 2026. Unfortunately, the college did not see enough capacity within the municipality for this idea. However, it is a political choice to free up capacity for this. As far as we are concerned, we would have chosen this, but unfortunately, there was no majority for it.
The coalition parties proposed a Burgerberaad, a citizens' assembly
During the council meeting, the coalition parties proposed a citizens' assembly on green spaces in our city, public space, and housing: the distribution of scarce space. In itself, not a bad idea, but we were critical in the council meeting. The citizens' assembly would then provide advice on a very broadly formulated question, the answer to which should provide input for a specific and highly technical policy framework. Additionally, we were surprised that there would be capacity for this. A citizens' assembly is a great instrument but requires good preparation and work from civil servants. Lastly, the citizens' assembly would replace the participation process for a new Hoofdgroenstructuur policy framework. That is not the way the new policy framework should be shaped. The citizens' assembly on the distribution of scarcity could provide additional input but should not replace the participation process in creating a policy framework for protecting green spaces. Then, the citizens' assembly becomes a distraction from the work that really needs to be done.
The council group's dilemma
Our group faced a dilemma. We wanted a new policy framework in co-creation by 2026, but we have yet to find a majority in the city council. There was, however, a majority for the initiative for a citizens' assembly. Again, in our view, not the right instrument in this process. So, do we vote against the citizens' assembly to make our point clear, or do we see opportunities to steer the proposed citizens' assembly with various motions and additional adjustments?
We chose the latter, so we submitted two motions during the discussion. First, a motion for a broad participation process specifically for the new Hoofdgroenstructuur policy framework so that not only the input from a citizens' assembly on a broader issue is used. Second, a motion to meaningfully and authoritatively involve the expertise of residents' groups on green spaces and other spatial issues in the citizens' assembly. A majority in the council meeting passed both motions.
Next steps
The executive can now get to work with a clear mandate from the council to develop a new Hoofdgroenstructuur Policy Framework. We expect to vote on it again in the city council in 2026.
We would have preferred a different outcome of this process, but politics sometimes means compromises. In this way, our group has tried to do justice to the referendum result as best as possible, and we have collectively reached a provisional conclusion of this dossier with the city council. Of course, we will keep you informed of the next steps in the process.
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