StadmakersCoöperatie is a Dutch cooperative built around a simple idea: people who shape their own neighbourhoods should be able to find each other, work together and gain a stronger voice in city-making. The organisation brings together “stadmakers” — local initiators, community builders, social designers, creatives and other civic actors — and supports them through networking, collaboration and shared learning.
The coöperatie was founded by Floor Ziegler and Teun Gautier. It is closely linked to StadmakersOnline, the platform where members can present their profile, projects and expertise. According to the organisation’s own descriptions, membership is tied to StadmakersOnline and the cooperative is member-led: members have decision-making power and the structure is intended to help them organise, learn from one another and coordinate initiatives.
Its scope is national, with activities across the Netherlands. The network is described as including around 4,000 stadmakers, connected through more than 50 local app groups. The cooperative also appears to work with a participatory fund and to support more than 100 social neighbourhood initiatives and entrepreneurs involved in place-based work.
StadmakersCoöperatie focuses on bringing together “system world” and “lifeworld” — in practice, that means linking residents and local initiatives with municipalities, housing actors and other institutions. Its projects often revolve around community building, shared public space, social cohesion and civic participation. During the coronavirus period, for example, it highlighted mutual-aid activities such as grocery runs and transport for people without cars.
The organisation’s portrait is one of a Dutch civic network rather than a traditional membership club: a practical platform for local initiatives that want to be visible, connected and heard.