The City Administration
The executive bodies of the Amsterdam municipality are responsible for a wide range of public services in the area of social welfare, housing, public health and education. The city is divided into 14 city districts. The City Council is the most powerful authority in Amsterdam, setting the city’s annual budget – estimated at €5.1 billion for 2004. Forty five seats are contested in the council elections which take place in Amsterdam every four years.

The day to day running of Amsterdam is the responsibility of the College of Aldermen - the Mayor and six Aldermen - which is responsible for submitting resolutions to the City Council for discussion and adoption, and for implementing them once they have been adopted. The Council has the final say and may reject any proposal it is not in agreement with. Trade unions and employers organisations play an important role in decision making: in many cases their role is more or less institutionalised (‘poldermodel’).

The Economic Development Department stimulates economic activities by strengthening the economic structure and promoting a competitive investment environment. All companies must feel welcome and at home in Amsterdam with space available for starting and growing businesses, whether they operate on a national or international scale. The Economic Development Department focuses not only on existing firms but also on attracting new businesses to keep and sustain employment for the city. In this way the Economic Development Department contributes not only to an increase of employment, but also to a sustainable urban environment. On behalf of Amsterdam City Council, the Economic Development Department invest over € 30 million in the Economy of Amsterdam.

The Economic Development Department deals with European affairs in Amsterdam through the Eurolink office whose role is to promote the European dimension of policy and disseminate information on EU developments. The four biggest cities in the Netherlands Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague share an office in Brussels.