Roeselare (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Roeselare’s 2025–2031 plan focuses on security, finances, and climate. Mayor Kris Declercq (CD&V) announced 20+ police inspectors, a €125M M budget, 100,000 trees, housing, youth work, and climate neutrality by 2050.
As VRT News reported, Roeselare has set out its priorities for the next 6 years, placing security and financial responsibility at the centre of its policy. Mayor Kris Declercq (CD&V) confirmed that more than 20 police inspectors will join a new nuisance unit. Their task will be to address disturbances, repeat offenders, and street crime in a targeted way.
The city also intends to install additional cameras as police working tools and to foster deterrence. Police, community wardens, private security services, street outreach workers, and the public prosecutor will continue to work together. The city also wants to increase its engagement with its residents.
“During the elections, people asked us to work towards a clean city without litter,”
Declerca continues.
“So we will ensure that everything is carefully monitored.”
How will Roeselare spend €125M to boost safety, cleanliness, and climate goals?
The city has set aside €125 million for renovation and maintenance, which is around €80 million less than during the previous administrative term. The decision is intended to cut costs without raising taxes.
According to the mayor, the principle of “prune to prosper” will guide spending choices. Even with a leaner budget, Roeselare will move ahead with key projects such as the renovation of the fire station and the expansion of the House of Dutch.
“We will also continue to invest in affordable housing and youth work. The city supports youth clubs, local concert organisers, and collaborates with the hospitality industry to create a vibrant nightlife for young people,”
Declerca said.
Roeselare has set the target of becoming climate neutral within 25 years. The city announced that 100,000 new trees will be planted in different areas. New greenery will be added to the urban forests of Bergmolenbos and Krommebeekbos. A tree belt will be developed around the city, while extra planting is planned in the village centres of Rumbeke and Oekene and in playgrounds.
Together with the province, the city will also create a link between Bergmolenbos and Sterrebos across the ring road. In that zone, the largest dog run in West Flanders will be built. According to the city council, these projects will provide spaces where people and animals can meet.
Extra funding will go to sports facilities, mobility projects, and entrepreneurship. The council has listed 88 ambitions that will guide its work in the next 6 years. These cover a wide range of projects, from ecological measures and safety programs to economic growth and community life. The full plan is published on the official website of the City of Roeselare.
Roeselare’s climate and development plan follows earlier commitments made by the city to strengthen its sustainability policy. In 2019, Roeselare joined the European Covenant of Mayors, promising to reduce carbon emissions by at least 40% by 2030. Since then, the city has introduced energy-saving measures in public buildings, invested in cycling infrastructure, and supported renewable energy projects.
