Barcelona Council Approves 2026 Infrastructure Plan, Creates Local Jobs

The Barcelona City Council approved the 2026 Infrastructure Renewal Programme on 7 July, requiring that a portion of project contracts go to local workers for jobs in construction, upkeep and related services.

This update follows the release of the annual municipal budget papers earlier this month, which tie spending to ongoing recovery from prior economic pressures in the metropolitan area.

Residents in districts such as Sant Martí and Horta-Guinardó stand to benefit from improved street lighting and park facilities, with crews hired from within the city boundaries handling the work rather than outside contractors. Similar work will cover repairs to bus stops along the main routes connecting Gràcia to the waterfront.

Jobs and Service Delivery Changes

The programme specifies that 40 per cent of new positions must be filled by Barcelona residents who have been registered with the local employment office, according to the council resolution. This covers roles from equipment operators to community facility attendants. The legislation states that preference goes to applicants living within five kilometres of each project site.

City records show the allocation totals 120 million euros over the next 18 months, drawn from the infrastructure line in the 2026 budget documents published by the finance department. These funds cover both capital works and the associated payroll for the required local hires.

Next Steps for Implementation

Procurement notices will be issued by the end of July, with the first contracts awarded in September. Local advocates note that this timeline allows for training programmes to prepare applicants before work begins. Further phases of the programme are scheduled for review in the first quarter of 2027, based on progress reports submitted to the full council.