Schepen

Schepen is a Dutch word with multiple meanings. In everyday language it is the plural of schip and refers to ships. The term is used in nautical contexts and appears in historical and technical writings about sailing, fleets, and maritime activity.

In the context of local government, schepenen are members of the municipal executive in the Netherlands and Belgium. They form the college van burgemeester en schepenen (the mayor and aldermen) and are responsible for the administration of the municipality. Their portfolios commonly include urban planning, housing, public works, transportation, social services, finance, and culture. They are typically appointed or elected from among municipal council members and operate under the chair of the mayor. The exact method of selection and term length varies by country and municipality, but the college generally handles policy execution and day-to-day management for the municipality.