WHAT ABOUT WEZEMBEEK-OPPEM?

Is the local economy really a priority for the majority in our municipality?

THE FACTS

Our municipality is a densely populated one:

About 14,742 people live in our municipality, 2,128 inhabitants per km², which is very high compared to Flanders (560 inhabitants/km²).

The healthcare and social and cultural sectors are well represented at 30.7% compared to 16% in relation to Flanders.

As a result of the impact of the migration to the boundary of Brussels, the rural character of this municipality has been seriously affected. Local shops, banks and catering establishments are underrepresented in our municipality at 56.8%.

People look in vain for a local baker or butcher. And the banks have also drastically adjusted their way of providing services.

Only 34% (compared to 73.7% in Flanders) of the local population is employed in our municipality itself.

The municipality has a relatively high percentage of expats and commuters who work in Brussels. This influences the local economy, especially in the demand for high-quality houses, international schools, and private services.

The disadvantages of this situation are that the young population who were born and raised here find it difficult to continue living because the city has become too expensive. 

In addition, people have to go outside the town to find a local bakery, smaller local shops or butchers. They can’t find them here anymore. Some larger shopping centers have apparently made these unnecessary.

The local economy does not consider the support provided by our municipal council to be sufficient and hopes for improvement.

This has to be better. It’s time to take action and ensure better support for the local economy so that residents find here what they want instead of having to move to surrounding municipalities or larger cities.

What does WOplus want for Wezembeek-Oppem?

1. Promotion of local trade:

• We want to support local trading by organizing events, markets or fairs to increase the visibility of local shops and businesses.
• We also want to collaborate with our local business associations to create joint promotions, such as discount promotions or special events during holidays.

2. Support for the self-employed and SMEs:

• We want to support initiatives to guide and support starting entrepreneurs through, for example, information sessions, workshops or advisory services.
• In Wezembeek-Oppem, however, the focus is more on small-scale companies, and the question is whether there is sufficient incentive to keep these companies in the municipality.

3. Reducing administrative constraints:

• We want to help local small entrepreneurs by simplifying administrative procedures, providing permits more quickly or providing access to subsidies.

4. Investments in infrastructure and accessibility:

• Good accessibility is essential for a thriving local economy. Wezembeek-Oppem is close to Brussels, but accessibility and parking options within the municipality are also important for local traders. We therefore want more attention to the necessary infrastructure so that ‘shopping here’ becomes more attractive for our residents.

5. Establishing a business association

• who works with the municipality to identify all needs and also will develop a number of initiatives.

6. A clear economic policy plan 

• that supports the development of the local economy.

7. A clear emergency plan for efficiently support to the local economy in times of crisis.

Let us strive together to efficiently support our local economy so that it can flourish and grow at the service of our residents. Your needs come first. Vote for a solid economic policy plan. Vote for progress. Vote for a stronger, better managed Wezembeek-Oppem. Vote WOplus.WHAT ABOUT WEZEMBEEK-OPPEM?

Is the local economy really a priority for the majority in our municipality?

THE FACTS

Our municipality is a densely populated one:

About 14,742 people live in our municipality, 2,128 inhabitants per km², which is very high compared to Flanders (560 inhabitants/km²).

The healthcare and social and cultural sectors are well represented at 30.7% compared to 16% in relation to Flanders.

As a result of the impact of the migration to the boundary of Brussels, the rural character of this municipality has been seriously affected. Local shops, banks and catering establishments are underrepresented in our municipality at 56.8%.

People look in vain for a local baker or butcher. And the banks have also drastically adjusted their way of providing services.

Only 34% (compared to 73.7% in Flanders) of the local population is employed in our municipality itself.

The municipality has a relatively high percentage of expats and commuters who work in Brussels. This influences the local economy, especially in the demand for high-quality houses, international schools, and private services.

The disadvantages of this situation are that the young population who were born and raised here find it difficult to continue living because the city has become too expensive. 

In addition, people have to go outside the town to find a local bakery, smaller local shops or butchers. They can’t find them here anymore. Some larger shopping centers have apparently made these unnecessary.

The local economy does not consider the support provided by our municipal council to be sufficient and hopes for improvement.

This has to be better. It’s time to take action and ensure better support for the local economy so that residents find here what they want instead of having to move to surrounding municipalities or larger cities.

What does WOplus want for Wezembeek-Oppem?

1. Promotion of local trade:

• We want to support local trading by organizing events, markets or fairs to increase the visibility of local shops and businesses.
• We also want to collaborate with our local business associations to create joint promotions, such as discount promotions or special events during holidays.

2. Support for the self-employed and SMEs:

• We want to support initiatives to guide and support starting entrepreneurs through, for example, information sessions, workshops or advisory services.
• In Wezembeek-Oppem, however, the focus is more on small-scale companies, and the question is whether there is sufficient incentive to keep these companies in the municipality.

3. Reducing administrative constraints:

• We want to help local small entrepreneurs by simplifying administrative procedures, providing permits more quickly or providing access to subsidies.

4. Investments in infrastructure and accessibility:

• Good accessibility is essential for a thriving local economy. Wezembeek-Oppem is close to Brussels, but accessibility and parking options within the municipality are also important for local traders. We therefore want more attention to the necessary infrastructure so that ‘shopping here’ becomes more attractive for our residents.

5. Establishing a business association

• who works with the municipality to identify all needs and also will develop a number of initiatives.

6. A clear economic policy plan 

• that supports the development of the local economy.

7. A clear emergency plan for efficiently support to the local economy in times of crisis.

Let us strive together to efficiently support our local economy so that it can flourish and grow at the service of our residents. Your needs come first. Vote for a solid economic policy plan. Vote for progress. Vote for a stronger, better managed Wezembeek-Oppem. Vote WOplus.