The L-panel will be formed through a two-step lottery process. First, the administration will randomly select 1,000 residents aged 16 and over from the population register. These individuals will receive a personal invitation to apply.
Jolein Martens, alderman for citizen participation, explains: “From all applications, we will select a diverse group of 25 residents. We will consider factors such as age, gender, sub-municipality, and family composition. This way, we ensure that the L-panel is a good reflection of the residents of Lanaken.”
This approach has the advantage of giving a voice not only to residents who spontaneously engage but also to those who are less inclined to participate in consultation processes. The administration thus brings together different experiences, opinions, and perspectives.
Soon, the municipality will send out 1,000 personal invitations for the L-panel in a distinctive golden-yellow envelope. Residents who receive such an envelope can apply.
More information about the citizen panel can be found at www.destemvanl.be.
Residents who do not receive an envelope but would also like to contribute can register for the Digital Citizen Panel via www.destemvanl.be. Members of this panel will receive online surveys throughout the year about projects, plans, and developments in Lanaken.
