Oegstgeest to Leverage AI for Funding New Swimming Pool
Oegstgeest, Monday, 10 November 2025.
The Oegstgeest city council plans to use AI to cut costs by €1.5 million, funding a new swimming pool. This reflects a trend in Dutch municipalities adopting AI for efficiency.
AI in Municipal Operations
The Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party in Oegstgeest, Netherlands, is spearheading an innovative approach to municipal funding by proposing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations. The initiative, announced on 10 November 2025, aims to reduce organizational costs by €1.5 million. This cost-saving measure is intended to fund a new public swimming pool, a necessary facility due to the outdated condition of Zwembad Poelmeer [1].
Potential Benefits of AI Integration
AI’s potential to enhance municipal efficiency is significant, as demonstrated by simple applications like automating administrative tasks such as minute-taking and invoicing. These AI-driven efficiencies are expected to release municipal funds without impacting employment, as the reduction in costs is anticipated to come from decreased reliance on external contractors rather than job cuts [1].
Challenges and Strategic Goals
Despite the promising outlook, the implementation of AI technologies in public administration also poses challenges. Ensuring transparency and maintaining public trust are critical, as noted by regulatory efforts within the EU to classify and manage AI systems based on risk [3]. The CDA’s strategy emphasizes a phased approach to leverage AI, aiming for a full operational efficiency by 2029, thereby redirecting savings towards the swimming pool project [1].
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
This initiative reflects a broader trend in the Netherlands and across Europe, where municipalities are increasingly turning to AI to enhance service delivery and reduce costs. As AI spending is projected to reach $375 billion globally by 2025, the integration of such technologies into local governance is expected to set a precedent for other regions [4]. The Oegstgeest project, if successful, could serve as a model for other municipalities looking to modernize operations while addressing community needs [5].