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.
Useful
Links:
Amsterdam
Social Structure Plan website:
www.ssp.amsterdam.nl/
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