Santa Cruz Forum Advances Sustainable City Projects

The Santa Cruz City Council is planning for the future, aiming to shape the city for the 21st century. To help with this, they recently held their second 'City Forum'. At this event, 80 local representatives from both public and private organizations, along with the Metrópoli and Moeve foundations, shared their thoughts on how to make the city more sustainable and innovative.

The first City Forum, held in March, focused on identifying and prioritizing the main challenges and opportunities for Santa Cruz in the 21st century. This second meeting, however, asked participants for their opinions on 14 potential projects suggested by Metrópoli. These ideas are grouped into five main themes, which will form the core of the final plan.

Some of the proposals from this second City Forum include:

• Making the island energy self-sufficient and improving its overall environment.
• Creating a detailed urban development plan for Santa Cruz and La Laguna, covering transport, housing, and jobs in the wider metropolitan area.
• Improving road networks in both cities to boost island-wide travel and create space for logistics and future agricultural hubs.
• Extending the tram line to Los Rodeos airport to improve transport and economic activity.
• Using ravines as natural green spaces, connecting the city with nature.
• Developing a central 'Ecoboulevard' and a coastal one, turning existing city roads into a large metropolitan ring road.

Another important proposal is to modernize the Buenos Aires industrial estate. The goal is to turn it into a center for innovation and technology, especially in the 'blue economy' (related to marine resources). For the 'Port-City' project, the plan is to improve the connection between the port and the city by adding new public spaces, cultural attractions, and tourist facilities.

The 'Tenerife Intelligence' strategy is also on the table. This project aims to use artificial intelligence and digital technology to better plan, manage, and carry out urban development ideas. There's also a plan to revitalize the historic city center, preserving its heritage while encouraging new homes and businesses. The 'Neighborhood Hearts' idea proposes creating vibrant community centers in different neighborhoods, each with its own character, to better balance Santa Cruz and its surrounding areas. Lastly, the 'Las Villas del Parque' strategy focuses on a complete overhaul of the Anaga rural park, improving its infrastructure, access, services, and viewpoints.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez commented that "this second Forum has moved forward a process that brings together expert knowledge, public involvement, and political commitment to shape the city we want." Carlos Tarife, the Councilor for Public Services, added that "working with local representatives, we've confirmed a range of strategic projects that will help create a more sustainable, connected city with a better quality of life. This has all been done through an open and collaborative process."

Now that the initial assessment is complete, the most promising projects will be finalized, incorporating feedback from everyone involved.