Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council Announces Historic €381 Million Budget for 2026
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has revealed its municipal budget for 2026, totaling €381.2 million, the largest in its history and reflecting a 4.4% increase from the previous year.
Focus on Quality of Life and Economic Growth
During a press conference, Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasized that the new budget continues the existing strategy aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life and stimulating economic growth, which is crucial for job creation. The budget also prioritizes social investments to assist vulnerable families and individuals.
Commitment to Financial Stability
José Alberto Díaz-Estébanez, the Councillor for Finance, highlighted that the budget aligns with the economic planning of the current mandate, ensuring financial stability for the municipality while supporting significant projects. He noted the importance of strengthening public services and increasing social investment.
Investment in Key Projects and Services
Carlos Tarife, the Councillor for Public Services, stated that the budget reflects Santa Cruz’s economic activity as a key driver for the Canary Islands. It prioritizes social investment, job creation, and the development of major projects in collaboration with the Canary Islands Government and the Cabildo.
The City Council pointed out that the budget aims to enhance residents’ quality of life amid global economic uncertainties and ongoing discussions regarding the State Budget, which may limit the municipality’s ability to meet new demands.
Fiscal Policy and Future Investments
The municipal fiscal policy remains largely unchanged, with the exception of the waste collection fee required by European regulations, which Tarife referred to as the only significant concern in this budget. The total investment planned for 2026 is €81 million, ensuring the continuation of the multi-year plan initiated in 2024, which includes both ongoing and scheduled projects.
Major Investments and Social Spending
Key projects in the budget include the renewal of the bus fleet, the establishment of electric bus charging facilities, the development of the Cultural Park Viera and Clavijo, organic waste collection initiatives, and road resurfacing efforts. The social investment component reaches €32 million, the highest amount recorded to date, aimed at expanding welfare programs, family support, disability services, elderly care, and child welfare.
This section allocates over 80% of its budget to welfare, family support, housing, disability, and senior citizen services, positioning Santa Cruz as the municipality with the highest per capita social spending on the island, focusing on protecting those most in need.
Integration of Social Services and Staffing Plans
The Municipal Social Care Institute (IMAS) will be integrated into municipal infrastructure next year, enhancing efficiency by providing additional personnel and resources. In the area of staffing, personnel expenses are projected to reach €91.5 million, with plans to create 30 new positions and invest in training and recruitment.
Infrastructure Development and Housing Initiatives
The Works and Infrastructure department will continue with the Transforma Santa Cruz program, which was launched in 2023 and will run until 2027. This program includes projects such as the Cultural Park Viera and Clavijo, the renovation of La Rosa Street, and the rehabilitation of the Guimerá Theatre.
The Housing department will implement public park construction programs totaling €41.7 million and allocate €3.5 million for property acquisitions. The Mobility and Accessibility sector will receive €47.5 million, which includes a credit operation of €20 million for fleet renewal and an additional €5 million for a new electric charging station near the Interchange.
Investments in Public Services and Culture
The Public Services sector is set to receive €74 million, which will be dedicated to urban maintenance, green spaces, organic waste collection, road improvements, lighting, children’s parks, and energy efficiency initiatives. Emmasa plans to invest €5.9 million in network expansions and the desalination plant.
The Culture department has been allocated €6.7 million for cultural promotion, including the reopening of La Recova, new productions, expanding the Fine Arts Museum collection, and renewing the Biblioguagua. The Development Society will manage €6.4 million aimed at fostering employment, entrepreneurship, commercial dynamism, and tourism promotion.
Key points
- The 2026 municipal budget for Santa Cruz de Tenerife totals €381.2 million.
- This budget represents a 4.4% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
- Social investment reaches €32 million, the highest figure to date.
- Major projects include the renewal of the bus fleet and the Cultural Park Viera and Clavijo.
- The budget aims to enhance the quality of life for residents while supporting economic growth.
- Personnel expenses are projected to be €91.5 million, with plans for new staffing positions.
- The Public Services sector will receive €74 million for urban maintenance and green space initiatives.
