Opzoomer Mee
About this good practice
Rotterdam, the second biggest city, faces challenges in social cohesion, street cleanliness, and greening. Since 1994, the Opzoomer Mee Foundation has been active with residents in Rotterdam streets. Starting as a grassroots organization in Opzoomerstreet, it is now a valued local entity subsidized by the municipality. By organizing campaigns, it encourages residents to organize street activities, fostering better neighbor relations and creating welcoming streets.
Opzoomer Mee motivates residents to take collective action and provides support and materials. Residents can organize social events three times a year and participate in an annual street cleaning initiative with provided cleaning packages and action cards. The “Rotterdam goes for Green” policy funds Opzoomer Mee’s greening initiatives and their maintenance, contributing to additional green spaces. The additional m2 of green are part of the output achieved by the policy instrument.
The foundation operates mainly at the street level, supporting key figures with a bottom-up approach and simple communication. It offers small budgets for street activities, community exchange cabinets, cleaning materials, and Christmas trees. It also facilitates and funds street greening projects, including depaving, greenery maintenance, and installing rain barrels accessible to all residents.
Opzoomer Mee collaborates with residents, the municipality, and other stakeholders to expand its network and reach more streets and residents.
Resources needed
The Opzoomer Mee Foundation employs 15 people and has an annual budget of € 2.200.000 in total. Of this is a budget of € 250.000,- available for the green campaign. Opzoomer Mee is paid by an annual subsidy from the municipality.
Evidence of success
Over 2000 streets in Rotterdam participate in Opzoomer Mee. Activities range from multiple events to annual barbecues or New Year’s receptions. In 2023, residents in 243 streets started greening initiatives, adding over 3100 sqm of greenery. In 626 streets, greenery was maintained with Opzoomer Mee’s budget. In 184 streets, residents joined at least one maintenance and one greening campaign. Additionally, 210 rain barrels were installed.
Potential for learning or transfer
The low threshold approach of Opzoomer Mee is an example of a bottom-up approach to link greening the streets by residents with social cohesion and stimulating social interaction at the street level. The easy and simple communication and accessibility of the funding and application process makes it a good practice that can easily be transferred to other municipalities or communities.
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Good practice owner
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