Why the 2026 NL local elections should already be on your agenda

Is Wednesday, March 18, 2026, marked in your calendar? If not, make sure to add it now. In less than a year, Dutch citizens will head to the polls for the municipal elections. While extensive lobbying is already taking place at the national and European levels to influence election programs and coalition negotiations, the local political arena is often underestimated. This is a mistake, as municipalities are gaining increasing influence over policies that directly affect businesses and organizations.

A glance at the rapid growth of public affairs professionals working within municipalities shows that they, too, have become much more assertive in their lobbying efforts towards the provinces, The Hague, and even Brussels. Local politics does not exist in isolation; it is a crucial link in broader policy formation.

What issues will shape the municipal elections?

Although election programs are still being drafted, several key themes are already emerging that will significantly impact businesses and organizations. More and more municipalities are becoming increasingly involved in regulating advertising within their jurisdictions. This includes restrictions on fossil fuel-related ads or regulations concerning unhealthy food advertising. Meanwhile, many municipalities are currently working out the details of Minister Keijzer’s housing policy. Local decisions on housing development, rent regulation, and urban transformation will have direct consequences for developers, investors, and residents.

The issue of grid congestion recently marked its fifth anniversary. While solutions are still elusive, this challenge will continue to dominate local policy agendas in the coming years. Infrastructure-related challenges will also be high on the agenda, with municipalities frequently lobbying the national government for additional funding.

Looming over the elections is the debate surrounding the so-called “ravine year.” As of 2026, national government funding for municipalities will be significantly reduced, forcing them to cut an estimated €3 billion collectively. For many municipalities, the financial impact is severe. The budgetary pressures and lack of solutions may push local parties to explore additional taxation measures in their election manifestos. However, raising taxes is not a popular move among voters…

Aldermen: essential allies for businesses and organizations

There’s another reason why local politics should not be underestimated. Over the years, aldermen and mayors have proven to be highly effective lobbyists for the interests of businesses and organizations in their municipalities. What makes local officials particularly successful in lobbying is that when they sit down with a Member of Parliament, they are often speaking with someone who shares their background. The majority of MPs have previously served on municipal councils or worked as aldermen themselves. Even if they do not share the same political ideology, they speak the same language, have similar experiences, and understand the political dynamics of decision-making. This mutual understanding often establishes a strong foundation for collaboration from the very first meeting—especially if they also share a political affiliation or come from the same region.

Why now is the time to act

By summer, most election program committees will have made significant progress on their plans. Some of the more established national parties set their policy frameworks centrally, while others—especially smaller local parties—begin drafting their programs later in the process. This fall, election manifestos will be finalized in local party meetings. Simultaneously, candidate selection committees will be formed to determine candidate lists and future alderman positions. Over the coming months, discussions will take place, and more and more parties will announce their lead candidates, sometimes following internal elections.

In short, the groundwork for municipal policies through 2030 is already being laid. Now is the moment to decide if and how your organization wants to engage in the lead-up to the elections.