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Catalan mayors demand urgent solutions for housing and municipal bureaucracy
Catalan municipalities are raising their voices in an increasingly complex situation. The 1st Municipalism Forum, held in Viladecans, has brought together more than 200 mayors and local officials to tackle the challenges already affecting daily life in Barcelona and its metropolitan area.
Housing has been central to much of the debate. President Salvador Illa argued for the need to increase density in cities, a proposal that divides municipalities facing very different circumstances.
In already saturated areas such as L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, some mayors reject any further increase in density and call for alternatives that do not compromise quality of life. Other municipalities, by contrast, see room for growth if it is accompanied by adequate services.
Bureaucracy was another of the critical issues. Local officials agree that administrative processes slow down key projects and make it difficult to respond quickly to residents' needs.
The debate also raised the importance of public-private collaboration. Businesses and public authorities advocated shared management models to tackle challenges such as mobility, water and technological innovation.
Municipal funding remains one of the main concerns. Many councils denounce the lack of resources to take on growing responsibilities, which limits their ability to act.
The meeting, held at Atrium Viladecans, marks a turning point. Municipalities are demanding a greater role in decision-making and real tools to tackle challenges already being felt on the streets.
Municipalism is thus establishing itself as a key player in the future of cities. The challenge now is to translate the debate into concrete measures that affect residents' everyday lives.