Leiden

1. Historic University City: Leiden is home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University, founded in 1575. The university has a rich history and has been a center for scientific research and education for centuries, producing many notable alumni, including several Nobel Prize winners. 2. Birthplace of Rembrandt: The famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn was born in Leiden in 1606. His early life in the city greatly influenced his artistic development, and visitors can explore the Rembrandt House Museum, which showcases his life and works. 3. Unique Canals and Bridges: While many cities in the Netherlands are known for their canals, Leiden's canal system is unique due to its combination of historical significance and modern-day utility. The city has over 28 kilometers of canals and more than 88 bridges, making it a picturesque setting for leisurely walks and boat tours, often overlooked by tourists.

The city of Leiden, like many other major cities in the Netherlands, is grappling with a severe housing crisis. The crisis is characterized by a significant shortage of affordable housing, leading to high house prices and rents. In Leiden, approximately 30% of residents rent their apartments, while the remaining 70% own their homes. The high demand for housing, coupled with limited supply, has driven up prices, making it difficult for first-time buyers and renters to find affordable accommodations. The city is addressing the housing crisis through various measures. One key strategy is to increase the supply of affordable housing by building more homes. The government aims to construct 845,000 new homes by 2030 to meet the growing demand. Additionally, there are efforts to regulate the rental market, including restrictions on Airbnb rentals to ensure more properties are available for local residents. Social housing programs are also being expanded, with over 20% of the total housing stock dedicated to social housing in the Netherlands. These initiatives aim to make housing more accessible and affordable for all residents, promoting a more sustainable and equitable housing market.

The role of housing cooperatives in the city of Leiden, Netherlands, is to provide affordable and community-led housing solutions. Since the revised Housing Act of 2015, tenants have the option to establish housing cooperatives, which are organized as associations with full legal capacity to manage and maintain residential real estate and its surroundings. Despite the legal framework, the market share of housing cooperatives in Leiden remains limited compared to other European countries. New housing cooperatives have emerged in recent years, driven by citizens' initiatives and supported by local administrations. The city of Amsterdam, for example, aims to realize 15 to 20 cooperative housing projects by 2030, which includes 7,000 new housing units. While specific data for Leiden is not provided, the trend suggests that similar initiatives might be underway. The city promotes cooperative housing through various policies and projects. For instance, the "Action Plan Housing Cooperatives" in Amsterdam sets ambitious targets for cooperative housing, and similar initiatives are likely to be replicated in other cities like Leiden. The municipality supports these projects by providing financial and organizational assistance, aiming to increase the availability of affordable housing and community-led living spaces.