Governance and democracy
A new council chamber: the living room of democracy
From 2025 to 2026 the Amsterdam council chamber was renovated into an accessible, modern and inclusive space. From 2022 Carla was a member of the presidium, which led the renovation, and sat on the sounding board of councillors who advised on its design and furnishing. With the presidium and sounding board she visited other council chambers.
What Carla did
Reception
As a presidium member, Carla welcomed Shelter City guests, human rights defenders staying in Amsterdam temporarily, on behalf of the council and chaired the conversation with them (2022–2025).
Motion
Motion 466 (Khan, Kabamba et al.): display Article 1 of the Constitution permanently at the council chamber. Adopted; the presidium included it in the renovation plans.
Put on the agenda
The presidium set up a sounding board of councillors, clerks and facilities staff. Presidium, steering group and sounding board visited the council chambers of Den Bosch and The Hague and the provincial chamber of South Holland.
Media
Het Parool: the councillors on the sounding board want the chamber to keep an Amsterdam character; inspiration came from Den Bosch and Arnhem, among others.
Put on the agenda
The sounding board gave input on accessibility, sustainability, debate, usability and safety, and chose an oval layout in two rings.
Put on the agenda
At the end of 2024 the sounding board stated its preference for the look of the chamber; the steering group adopted it in the final design.
Put on the agenda
Presentation of the design of the new chamber to the council (council daily mail, May 2025).
Council
The renewed chamber was opened. On the same day Carla said farewell to the council.