The mayors of Bizkaia's principal municipalities are facing the final stretch of their legislative terms, with elections looming in just under a year. These leaders are detailing their strategic projects and commitments aimed at enhancing the quality of life for their citizens during this concluding period.
The mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, after a decade in office, pledges to complete urban development projects and strategies that directly impact residents. Key initiatives include the Zorrozaurre development, the reactivation of Artxanda, and the reconstruction of La Casilla, alongside a commitment to maintaining high-quality public services.
The mayoress of Barakaldo, Amaia del Campo, is focusing on urban regeneration and the creation of green spaces, including the installation of mechanical ramps and an elevator. A new local police station will be built, and residents' interests will be defended concerning the tunneling of the Southern Railway Variant and improved healthcare at Cruces hospital.
The mayoress of Getxo, Amaia Agirre, aims to finalize strategic projects such as the updated General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU), which allocates land for 4,471 new homes. Initiatives focused on mobility and accessibility will also be advanced, including the pilot project for the future Getxobus and the modernization of the Salsidu ramps.
The mayoress of Santurtzi, Itziar Carrocera, took office following her predecessor's resignation and is committed to continuing strategic projects. The House of Women and a youth center are now operational, and the comprehensive renovation of the municipal sports center is nearing completion. Enhancing public services is a top priority, alongside creating parking spaces and improving parks.
The mayoress of Portugalete, Marijose Blanco, is concentrating the remaining mandate on housing, accessibility, and security. Measures to mobilize vacant housing and the development of three sectors providing 1,149 new homes are planned. New police officer positions will be created, and significant investment will be made in street improvements and lighting.
The mayor of Basauri, Asier Iragorri, has initiated accessibility improvements, including the construction of five elevators connecting El Kalero and Basozelai. This project, with a budget of 5,400,000 euros, aims to enhance mobility for an aging population and is expected to be completed by early 2028.
The mayor of Leioa, Iban Rodríguez Etxebarria, prioritizes the comprehensive renovation of the Pinueta neighborhood and the development of the Lamiako Boulevard. Efforts are underway to commence construction of the new sports center before the end of the term, alongside accessibility upgrades in several districts and the launch of new local bus lines (LeioanBusa).
The mayor of Galdakao, Iñigo Arriandiaga, is advancing several strategic projects, including the renovation of the Urreta sports center and the municipalization of the Home Help Service. The project for the House of Women has been put out to tender, and the Ibaizabal riverbank area will be redeveloped, with 105 subsidized housing units planned for Bengoetxe.
The mayoress of Durango, Mireia Elkoroiribe, is promoting measures to improve housing access, such as converting vacant premises into residences and planning for 530 protected homes. Progress is being made on transforming the old railway line into a greenway and implementing the High Resolution Center (CAR) to enhance regional healthcare services.
The mayor of Sestao, Gorka Álvarez, will focus on major transformation projects, including the revitalization of the La Naval industrial site and the recovery of the apprentice school. Housing policies will be strengthened, and industrial tourism will be promoted with the definitive launch of the High Furnace.
The mayor of Gernika, José Mari Gorroño, will promote projects requiring collaboration with the Basque Government and the Provincial Council, such as a circular economy business park and a new vocational training center. Documentation for the integral renovation of the market square and the new library will be put out to tender.
The mayoress of Bermeo, Nadia Nemeh, will prioritize regulating tourist apartments and implementing a tourist tax to preserve the town's identity. Housing policies will be reinforced, and measures to improve citizen coexistence will be increased, addressing issues like dog waste with firm action and awareness campaigns.
