Amstelveen is a wonderful place to live, work, learn, play and care for one another. At the same time, many people feel life is getting heavier. Housing costs keep rising, young people struggle to find a place of their own, and older residents wait too long for suitable, accessible homes. Our living environment is under pressure from traffic and from the impact of Schiphol, affecting peace and quiet, health and air quality. And while we seem more connected than ever through screens, many residents experience loneliness, performance pressure, mental stress, addiction, or complicated rules.

ChristenUnie Amstelveen believes we can do better: with more hope, more humanity, and closer to people’s everyday lives. For us, freedom is not “everyone for themselves”, but giving each other room to flourish. No one should fall through the cracks because of debt, loneliness, mental problems, addiction or bureaucracy. That is why we invest in what makes people and communities strong: families, volunteers, neighbourhood initiatives, schools, sports clubs, care networks and faith communities. We want a local government that does justice, is faithful and consistent, and works with humility for the common good—guided by Micah 6:8.

1. A good future for our children
A city is only as strong as the chances it offers its children and young people. Parenting is first and foremost the responsibility of parents, but the municipality can create the conditions that help families thrive: places to meet, financial breathing space, affordable sport and culture, and support when life gets hard. We want an Amstelveen where children can grow up safely, where there is time and attention, and where vulnerability is not immediately turned into a “system problem”, but becomes a shared call to care.

That is why we stand for a strong start for every child. There should be no financial barriers to maternity care, and extra support must be available for vulnerable parents. We choose prevention that works—from “Nu Niet Zwanger” (supporting thoughtful choices around parenthood) to Growing up in a Supportive Environment (OKO), so children’s health and wellbeing are monitored and supported early and broadly. We continue to fight child abuse and domestic violence, and we want to prevent families from escalating into crisis by offering timely, intensive help. Children must be safe, also through stronger foster care and kinship care.

In education we take a broad view: school is about more than transferring knowledge. It is also about character, citizenship, participation, making choices, and discovering who you are. We defend freedom of education and want schools where children, teachers and neighbours feel at home. The municipality must be reliable in school housing: an Integrated Housing Plan should be about people, not just buildings. We tackle low literacy, promote inclusive education close to home, and support a joint approach to teacher shortages through the regional education partnership. School–family liaison officers are crucial: they see what is going on between school, home and neighbourhood and help prevent children from disappearing from view.

2. Caring for one another
Amstelveen is diverse: older neighbourhoods and new districts, long-time residents and people from around the world who have made a home here. That diversity is a strength. But we also see loneliness, health pressures, worries about housing, and the feeling of not belonging. ChristenUnie believes we are made to look out for one another. We want a city where people hold on to each other—young and old, healthy and vulnerable, with or without disabilities.

We choose an active approach to loneliness: meeting places close to home, strong community centres, clubs and local initiatives, and recognition of churches and faith communities as places of connection and solidarity. Practical ideas belong here too: neighbourhood benches, community days, talent days, neighbourhood camping, and an easy-to-borrow “street party kit” that lowers the threshold for local gatherings. We also invest in suicide prevention: recognising signals earlier, training, and strong municipal coordination with local partners.

For health we adopt a broader view than “not being ill”. Positive health includes meaning, relationships and participation. Health also depends on a healthy environment: clean air, safe soil, good sleep and clean water. Because Amstelveen lies next to Schiphol, we want structural monitoring of health outcomes (such as sleep disturbance, respiratory issues and cardiovascular disease) and a clear framework for action: measuring is not enough—it must lead to protection. Residents’ health comes before polluting interests. We invest in prevention (also against vaping, gambling, alcohol and drugs) and in accessible care: enough GPs, dentists, district nursing and addiction services—without commercial investors gaining control over primary care. We also advocate for a hospice in Amstelveen.

For people with confusing or unrecognised behaviour we put care first, not only security. Nuisance and crisis situations require cooperation between neighbourhood teams, mental health services, GPs and the municipality—supported by crisis beds, time-out facilities, supported housing and 24/7 outreach care. We also call for specific attention to people with mild intellectual disabilities, who are too often misunderstood.

We strengthen accessibility in public space and services (in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), support informal carers and volunteers with fewer barriers and more recognition, and build a local inclusion agenda together with residents and organisations. For newcomers, we take responsibility: dignified reception and housing, fast integration through language learning and (volunteer) work, and protection against exploitation—including for international workers, au pairs and undocumented people.

3. Participation, poverty and debt: dignity and fair opportunities
A society flourishes when everyone can take part. Work, caregiving, volunteering and day activities are not only about income or productivity; they offer dignity, structure and belonging. Poverty and debt therefore matter deeply. They destroy lives, destabilise families and take away children’s opportunities—and that is unacceptable in a city like Amstelveen.

We choose compassionate and fair anti-poverty policy: simple, reliable and easy to find, including a physical help desk where people are supported instead of being sent from one counter to another. Benefits and support schemes should be implemented in a human way: payments at sensible times, room for tailored solutions, and principles such as “simple switching” so people do not get stuck when their situation changes. We want to strengthen the Amstelveen Pass so residents with low incomes can truly participate in sport, culture and social life. We also recognise that financial insecurity is wider than official thresholds; households up to 140% of the social minimum can also need support.

On debt we focus on early detection, home visits, and cooperation with organisations such as Humanitas and SchuldHulpMaatjes. We want to discourage harmful credit practices like Buy Now Pay Later and “flash loans”. The municipality’s debt collection policy should be social and careful, preventing unnecessary fines that push people deeper into trouble—especially those without stable housing. After debt restructuring, aftercare is essential so people do not fall back.

For labour migrants we say: every human being has equal worth. We reject a division between “knowledge” and “manual” migrants. We want decent housing standards with strict enforcement against abuse, and real opportunities for language learning and participation, so people can genuinely become part of our community.

4. A home for everyone: housing, neighbourhoods and ending homelessness
Feeling at home in Amstelveen is central to our vision. Housing is not only about bricks; it is about communities. The housing crisis is therefore also a social crisis. We choose housing policy that is fair: affordable, mixed and future-proof. In new developments we aim for a mix of 30% low-cost, 40% mid-range and 30% higher-priced homes, with at least half being affordable. We fight speculation with owner-occupancy requirements and value-capture measures, and we give key workers—teachers, care workers, police and other vital professions—priority access to affordable homes.

We support an active municipal land policy so the city keeps influence over speed and affordability, and we aim to build an average of 700 homes per year, focusing on areas such as De Scheg, Nieuwe Legmeer, Kronenburg and the Bovenkerkerwegzone. We also want to use existing space better: splitting homes, repurposing office buildings, renting out rooms, and supporting new living models such as co-housing for seniors, intergenerational living, and family or (pre-)care homes in gardens.

Neighbourhoods should be green and connected. Streets and public space should invite meeting and play, offer shade and cooling, and be accessible for everyone. We use the 3–30–300 rule as guidance: from every home you can see three trees, 30% of the neighbourhood is under tree canopy, and every resident has a park within 300 metres.

We also want to end homelessness. We choose Housing First: first a home, then support. We prevent evictions through early signals and close cooperation, and we use the ETHOS-light definition so “hidden homelessness” (people staying temporarily with friends or family) is recognised and addressed.

5. Art, culture, sport and an economy of “enough”
Art, culture and sport are not luxuries; they bring people together, improve health and make a city humane. Every child should be able to participate through the Amstelveen Pass and youth funds for sport and culture. We strengthen libraries both as a frontline in tackling low literacy and as places of meeting. Heritage deserves care and a dignified future—including religious heritage, with respect for the meaning of these buildings and communities.

In sport, accessibility is key: everyone should be able to take part. We want every child to learn to swim, to modernise De Meerkamp sustainably, and to reintroduce school swimming lessons. Sports coaches can connect sport, education and care, and older residents deserve low-threshold exercise programmes in every neighbourhood.

Economically, we choose broad prosperity: wellbeing above profit. Entrepreneurs are essential, but the economy must serve the community. We aim to reduce unnecessary regulations, keep structural dialogue with local businesses, and give opportunities to local and social enterprises through municipal procurement. Circular initiatives (repair, reuse, sharing, material banks) and creative use of vacancy are part of this. Sometimes, “enough” really is enough.

6. Caring for creation and healthy, fair mobility
Stewardship means living within the earth’s limits and sharing the burden of transition fairly. We work towards strong CO₂ reduction goals, with a sustainability dashboard and clear indicators, and we include emissions beyond energy alone—also consumption and building. Residents should be supported with accessible subsidies and advance payments, guidance for apartment owners’ associations, tile-removal support, green roofs and independent energy advice. District heating is only acceptable when renewable, reliable and affordable, with municipal leadership to prevent monopolies.

We protect nature and biodiversity through pesticide-free management, flower-rich verges, nature-friendly banks, and an annual biodiversity monitor. We also speak honestly about pressures on nature, including the impact of free-roaming cats, and invest in nature education at schools. We reduce waste by improving collection points, supporting circular initiatives and introducing “pay as you throw” so people who produce less residual waste pay less.

On mobility we use the STOMP principle: walking first, then cycling, then public transport, then shared mobility, and only lastly the private car. The “just street” guides us: safe, green, accessible, with wide sidewalks, benches, safe school areas and a strong cycling network. Public transport must be frequent and accessible, and shared mobility should be available in logical locations. We also want better enforcement against dangerous fatbike behaviour.

On Schiphol we are clear: the airport must shrink due to the impact on health, peace and safety. Aviation should not have a privileged position. Amstelveen must use regional alliances and influence to defend residents’ interests, with transparent measurements linked to real action: protect, limit and stand up for those affected.

7. Trustworthy government and a safe society
We stand for a local government that is trustworthy, close to residents and fair: setting boundaries where needed, and giving space where possible. Rules must be understandable, services accessible, communication clear, and decision-making transparent. We support broad cooperation in the council and emphasise that executive leaders should have real local ties.

Democracy needs maintenance, especially by involving young people: impact checks on policies (“generation check”), a youth council, civic education programmes, and the option to become a citizen council member from age 16. We also take discrimination, racism and antisemitism seriously—with a visible reporting point, ongoing dialogue, training and an organisation that reflects the diversity of society.

Safety is more than enforcement: it begins in strong neighbourhoods. Still, the municipality must act firmly against intimidation, exploitation, organised crime and human trafficking. We invest in safe streets through good lighting, visible community policing and targeted neighbourhood approaches. Substance abuse and gambling require both prevention and enforcement, including keeping alcohol and gambling advertising out of public space and monitoring trends. For sex work and trafficking we combine strict policy towards exploiters with dignity and protection for victims, including a dedicated coordinator. Digital security, preparedness and practising crisis scenarios also belong to a resilient city.

In closing: standing up for the good, together
ChristenUnie Amstelveen chooses a city with a human face: where children have opportunities, care is close by, housing becomes affordable, creation is protected, and government truly sees people. We do not wait until problems grow bigger. We help early, stay close, and encourage shared responsibility. Doing justice, staying faithful, and working with humility—together with everyone who longs for an Amstelveen where every person counts and hope becomes real.