Paul Depla

Paul Depla has a strong background in political science, local governance, and a focus on sustainability. As Mayor of Breda since 2015, and previously as Mayor of Heerlen and Alderman in Nijmegen, he’s played a key role in urban development, sports, and innovation. He holds a political science degree and a PhD from Tilburg University, where he studied the renewal of local democracy.

In Breda, Depla has worked towards making the city carbon-neutral by 2044, supporting the growth of business parks, and fostering sectors like technology and creativity. He’s been involved in creating an ecosystem for companies and knowledge institutions to collaborate on new developments, setting up innovation testing grounds, and helping startups and scale-ups grow. His efforts to make Breda a more dynamic and globally connected city are part of his broader vision for sustainable urban living and economic vitality.

Depla’s experience in strategic planning, economic development, and embracing sustainability initiatives provides him with valuable insights into the cannabis industry, especially in areas like cultivation and industry practices.