Aalst (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Aalst residents can now scan QR codes, created by Emily Mortier and Daan Zwaenepoel, to access city council decisions. 2 codes per district exist, with 3 more planned this year.
As VRT News reported, in Aalst, residents can now check what the city council has decided in their neighbourhoods using a QR code. Scanning the code leads directly to the official decision for that exact location. These include activities like an archaeological dig or adding a parking space for people with disabilities.
“We’re just two volunteers who want to bring local politics closer to the people on the street,”
explains Emily Mortier.
“Until now, we’ve done this through our podcast or by organising debates.”
How can Aalst residents follow council decisions with QR codes?
The project is led by Emily Mortier and Daan Zwaenepoel, who have run the podcast “Gementeraadsels” (“Municipal Riddles”) for 2 years. Mortier and Zwaenepoel point out that smaller decisions often have a significant effect on neighbourhoods and sub-municipalities.
Officials mentioned that finding the QR codes in Aalst can be difficult for some residents. Each code is marked with a sticker on the sidewalk. The stickers are applied with a pressure washer. They connect residents directly to the official city council decision for that location. The project is still in progress.
Emily Mortier, co-creator of the podcast “Gementeraadsels” (“Municipal Riddles”), says there is still much work to do. She notes that only 60% of eligible residents voted in last year’s local elections.
Mortier hopes the initiative will encourage more citizens to follow local politics and stay informed about decisions that affect their neighbourhoods. Currently, each district in Aalst has 2 QR codes. The city plans to add 3 more codes for every municipal council area.
Similar projects have taken place in other cities to make local government more transparent. In Ghent, QR codes have been used in public spaces to show residents plans and council decisions for parks, streets, and historic buildings.
Amsterdam introduced QR codes at construction sites and public art projects, giving people access to permits, designs, and progress updates. Barcelona used QR codes to explain local programs like transportation improvements and neighbourhood upgrades.
