Ecological staircase demolished by accident
Volunteers built a staircase covered with plants between the Centraal Museum and the canal in Utrecht. For three years, they worked with all their might on the staircase and the work of art cost 243,800 euros. Now a contract worker from the municipality of Utrecht has accidentally removed all the plants, not realising that it was a work of art.
Failed civic participation
Through citizen participation, the municipality of Amsterdam wanted to make policy-making more democratic. The municipality made plans for all sorts of subjects on which citizens could express their opinions, but citizens responded very little. They do not feel that they are really allowed to decide, but are only there to suggest ideas.
Energy transition cooking gas Utrecht
A search for a way to give all 4,500 residents of the Overvecht district of Utrecht (The Netherlands)- 95% tenants, 5% private tenants and owners - an induction hob, without it costing them anything. This seemed to be (unjustifiably) low-hanging fruit for the 'natural gas-free in 2030' mission.