Mayor Unveils De Pijp Job Training, Preschool Expansion, New Cycling Routes

The mayor’s office has outlined a new set of policy measures under the proposed 2026 municipal budget, with a focus on new jobs, expanded social services, and increased investment in De Pijp’s infrastructure. The plan, presented at city hall on Tuesday, includes a €9.8 million boost to neighbourhood employment programs, as well as new pilot projects aimed at easing childcare and improving mobility for local households. City officials say the package is expected to affect most of De Pijp’s 33,000 residents by the end of next year.

Jobs and Social Services Expansion

The 2026 update comes at a time when employment has become a pressing concern in De Pijp, with the Central Statistics Bureau reporting a local unemployment rate of 5.2 percent last quarter, up from 4.6 percent a year earlier. The new budget sets aside €3.2 million for scaling up job retraining centres on Ceintuurbaan and Van Woustraat, with a focus on green energy qualifications and digital skills. City documents reviewed by The Daily De Pijp indicate that at least 400 additional residents are expected to benefit from these programs next year. Adult learning advocates note that targeted upskilling is especially important for workers displaced by automation in local retail and hospitality.

Alongside job programs, families will see concrete improvements in local services. The city has earmarked €2.6 million to create 110 more preschool places in Sarphatipark and adjacent neighbourhood catchment areas, responding to what the Social Policy Committee calls “urgent unmet need” logged during April’s household survey. Extended hours for community health centres on both Eerste van der Helststraat and Ferdinand Bolstraat were also confirmed in the new policy package, with funding allocated for additional pediatric and mental health staff until at least 2028.

Infrastructure and Local Mobility

Infrastructure upgrades are slated to begin in September, with €4 million dedicated to repaving and widening cycling lanes along Ruysdaelkade and Hobbemakade, projects the Public Works Directorate says are projected to cut peak-hour commuter congestion by 17 percent. The plan also covers the installation of three new bus shelters and eight smart traffic signal systems, which the city says will help improve punctuality on tram lines 3 and 12. Construction notices and interim detour maps will be delivered to all registered households by 19 August, according to council planning documents.

Policy analysts highlight that these transport and street upgrades are expected to generate over 60 temporary jobs in paving, electronics, and landscaping, alongside longer-term gains from reduced travel times. Local business associations say more reliable amenities and clearer transit options are likely to support foot traffic to independent shops clustered around Albert Cuyp Market.

Next Steps and Community Consultation

The full 2026 budget, including its jobs and infrastructure measures, is now subject to council debate after last night’s tabling. Public submissions are open through 31 July via the city’s participatory budgeting website. Final council votes are scheduled for 14 August, with project rollout planned in staggered phases through spring 2027, as detailed in the city’s official implementation timetable. Residents can expect updates at scheduled info sessions held at De Pijp district library and local primary schools in September. Ongoing impact assessments will be published quarterly by the City Development Office as programs come online.