David Vermorken

David Vermorken has been an alderman for the municipality of Borne since 2022. In this role, he has represented the Twente Board since July 2026. Prior to that, he was a councillor in the Brabant municipality of Gilze en Rijen. With his administrative experience, flair for political decision-making and personal ties to the region, he aims to be the connecting link between the fourteen municipalities of Twente, the education sector and the business community.

From Brabant to Twente
Although Vermorken only moved to Borne in 2022, his connection with the region goes back much further. He met his husband fourteen years ago. Since then, he has spent a great deal of time in Twente and has felt increasingly at home in the region. The local mindset, the sense of community and the landscape made the move from Brabant a natural one.

Proud of Twente’s potential
“Twente is a region where things happen; a place that leads the way globally. That is why we must set aside the modesty we sometimes display and showcase the potential our region has to offer.” The Twente Board can contribute to this. “I see the Twente Board as the driving force behind clear decisions on spatial planning, the economy, amenities and broad prosperity. It’s the way to position Twente more strongly as a leading innovative region.” That sense of connection is at the heart of his approach: “Collaboration is a people’s endeavour. I learnt that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was the councillor for the economy in Brabant. Getting to know one another, being able to reach out to one another quickly, and working together to see what is possible.”

Building connections to foster growth
Twente faces a major housing challenge that can only be met if local authorities work closely together. Housing, energy, accessibility, the labour market and grid congestion are all interlinked. Vermorken sees this interdependence every day in Borne, which is geographically situated in the heart of Twente, amongst towns, villages and beautiful countryside. “Here you can see how housing, amenities, entrepreneurship and the landscape intersect and reinforce one another. You have to safeguard that balance.” Businesses can only grow if they can find staff, and new residents want more than just a house. They are also looking for a pleasant living environment.

Wide-ranging prosperity for everyone
“Gross Twente Happiness is not a marketing term, but a daily reality.” According to Vermorken, it is about broad prosperity: good schools, clubs, culture, sport, connections with the wider world and a place where you feel at home. This requires a joint effort by both the government and the community. When these elements come together, Gross Twente Happiness emerges – something he wishes for everyone who lives in Twente or moves here.

Ambition for the region
Vermorken is committed to creating the conditions Twente needs to continue growing: sufficient housing, a strong labour market, scope for innovation, good transport links and an attractive living environment. “I want to ensure that we, as the 14 municipalities of Twente, work together as closely as possible to tackle this challenge.” In his view, Twente must be recognised as a leading green and innovative region, and this certainly applies to the defence and security industry. It is a sector he knows intimately: “I served as a councillor in a municipality where the Ministry of Defence is at the heart of the community, with an air base. I know how important that industry is, and I have worked to ensure those investments benefit society.” With the University of Twente, Saxion, the ROC and a strong manufacturing sector, the region boasts an exceptional combination of knowledge, technology and craftsmanship. It is precisely here that opportunities lie which Twente must dare to seize.