Santa Cruz de Tenerife Unveils 2026 Budget Focused on Social Welfare and Infrastructure

The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has announced its budget for the fiscal year 2026, reflecting a significant increase aimed at enhancing social welfare and economic development.

Financial Overview and Priorities

The proposed budget for 2026 amounts to €381.2 million, marking a 4.6% rise from the previous year. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez has characterized this financial plan as a continuation of ongoing initiatives designed to improve the quality of life for residents and stimulate the local economy. A key focus will be on job creation, which is seen as essential in combating social exclusion. The Mayor has assured that investments in social programs will continue to support vulnerable families.

Departmental Allocations and Initiatives

The Presidency, under Purificación Dávila, will allocate €91.5 million for personnel expenses, which constitutes 24.3% of the overall budget. This allocation is expected to remain stable, pending any changes from the National Budget. The workforce is projected to grow by 4.55% with the addition of 30 new positions, alongside an investment exceeding €272,000 for training and recruitment.

In the realm of technology, the General Directorate of Technology will receive €5.7 million to maintain municipal networks and institutions. This includes €724,000 earmarked for advancing electronic administration and €250,000 dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity measures. Furthermore, €493,000 will be invested in migrating Office services and email systems to the cloud, which aims to improve both protection and efficiency.

Infrastructure and Housing Development

The Works and Infrastructure department, led by Javier Rivero, will extend the Transforma Santa Cruz Programme through 2027. This initiative encompasses key projects such as the Viera y Clavijo Cultural Park, the renovation of La Rosa Street, and the rehabilitation of Guimerá Theatre. Additionally, basic public services will be bolstered through Strategic Plans focusing on Infrastructure, Neighbourhoods, Sports Facilities, and Historical Heritage Recovery, with a municipal investment of €17 million as part of a multi-year strategy.

The Housing department, directed by Ana Belén Mesa, will continue its multi-year programs with a strong emphasis on expanding public housing. A total of €41.7 million is allocated for new construction projects, along with €3.5 million for housing acquisitions. The EDIL 2025-2029 project is set to receive a grant of €4 million, with the overall budget potentially exceeding €7 million. Rehabilitation efforts will see the completion of work on the ARRUs for 1,568 homes at a cost of €28.8 million, while Next Generation funds will support initiatives in 813 homes with an investment of €27.7 million.

Social Policies and Community Support

The Social Policies department, led by Charín González, is experiencing rapid growth, with a budget of €32.75 million aimed at welfare and reducing inequality. This positions the department as a leader in social investment per capita on the island. The upcoming year will focus on enhancing basic social services in partnership with Third Sector organizations, particularly through programs like Andamio, which addresses chronic poverty. Resources for elderly care, Home Help Services, and district support will be expanded, alongside targeted actions for disabled individuals, homelessness support, and addiction prevention.

In the area of Children and Family services, two new Day Services will be introduced, and the recognition from UNICEF will be maintained. The budget emphasizes coordinated efforts among Social Welfare, Housing, and Employment departments, focusing on direct social care and integration.

Mobility, Accessibility, and Public Services

The Mobility and Universal Accessibility sector, led by Evelyn Alonso, has been allocated €47.5 million, which includes a €20 million investment for renewing the bus fleet. This reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing urban transport and mobility. An additional €5 million will be dedicated to establishing charging stations for new electric buses at the Interchange, promoting a modern and sustainable mobility framework.

The Sustainability and Public Services department, overseen by Carlos Tarife, will receive €74 million to improve urban maintenance and initiate a new Parks and Gardens contract, increasing the annual budget by €3 million. Investments will include €3.9 million for the selective collection of organic waste to enhance recycling efforts and €11.4 million for projects aimed at improving road surfaces, energy efficiency, and public spaces. The budget also supports the rehabilitation of major avenues and the renewal of playgrounds and urban furniture in areas such as La Granja and García Sanabria, along with €1 million allocated for public lighting. Emmasa will invest €5.9 million in sanitation, water supply, and the expansion of the desalination plant, supported by European PERTE funds.

Key points

• The 2026 budget for Santa Cruz de Tenerife totals €381.2 million, a 4.6% increase from 2025.
• Job creation and social investment are primary focuses of the budget.
• The Presidency will allocate €91.5 million for personnel expenses, representing 24.3% of the budget.
• The Housing department plans to invest €41.7 million in new constructions and €3.5 million in housing acquisitions.
• The Social Policies department’s budget is €32.75 million, aimed at welfare and reducing inequality.
• The Mobility sector will receive €47.5 million, including €20 million for bus fleet renewal.
• The Sustainability and Public Services department will be allocated €74 million for urban maintenance and public services enhancements.