The Palma City Council, led by Mayor Jaime Martínez, has embarked upon the third year of its current term with a defined roadmap for 2026. As the council implements key municipal initiatives in Palma, the focus shifts toward core issues like affordable housing, sustainable transport, and urban development. With municipal elections anticipated for spring 2027, this year is pivotal in delivering on earlier pledges and translating policy proposals into concrete progress.
Facing rising property prices and heightened pressures on local infrastructure, Martínez's team is prioritising housing as the municipality's central concern. The initial phase of the local government's housing programme has already been launched, with 166 rental units at controlled rates slated for construction on council-owned land. Plans are not stopping there, as a subsequent phase is expected to follow shortly, accompanied by the start of development on various designated plots. Among these are over 4,000 square metres in Son Quint, another 4,000 in s’Olivera (Coll d’en Rebassa), two additional sites in Son Güells, plus another in Son Peretó. These sites will be leased to private firms for 75 years in exchange for building and managing the housing units.
Mobility and Transport Initiatives
On the subject of sustainable mobility, Deputy Mayor Javier Bonet has highlighted first steps towards creating the new ECO EMT operations centre, to be constructed on a 29,000-square-metre plot at Son Rossinyol Industrial Estate. This site will support the electrification of Palma's bus fleet, with the municipality aiming to introduce 68 fully electric buses in 2026—described by Bonet as "an important step towards transforming public transport in the city."
Public Security Developments
Plans for public security infrastructure include a new Local Police headquarters in Nou Llevant. "The intention is to relocate from Sant Ferràn, which is now outdated," Bonet noted. An architectural competition is under consideration for the project's design. Meanwhile, the future multi-purpose centre at the old Metropolitan cinemas in Pere Garau is set to incorporate a new police station. The council expects to approve the final Local Police Organisation Plan this year and to recruit further personnel.
Cultural and Innovation Strategies
Palma is also actively pursuing the European Capital of Culture 2031 title, competing against eight other candidate cities. Upcoming months will see Mayor Martínez and Deputy Mayor Bonet present and defend the city’s bid. The administration is advancing innovation-oriented initiatives as well, notably via the Palma Culture and Innovation Bay and the upcoming Demographic and Tourism Control Centre. This body aims to provide accurate data on residency and visitor numbers. Additionally, a SandBox ordinance will be approved to enhance talent attraction for Palma’s Innovation District.
Urban and Social Infrastructure Projects
The municipality's infrastructure portfolio for this year is substantial. The schedule includes the opening of new nursery schools in Son Dameto and Son Gibert, the launch of a senior citizens’ centre in Sant Jordi, and the Balanguera centre for homeless women. Completion is expected for Génova and Son Oliva community centres. Two highly anticipated projects are also starting: the multi-use centre at the old Metropolitan cinemas and the restoration of Can Serra, a future city museum facility.
Transformation efforts for Playa de Palma are ongoing, with green corridor projects for Can Torrat and Plaza Maravillas as focal points. Moreover, phases of the CAZ works are progressing. Another key urban redevelopment, known as the Gesa project, will move forward when the winning architectural proposal is announced in April. Upgrades to Plaza Major will likely begin late this year or early next, with similar timelines for the refurbishment of Plaza del Mercat. An additional phase of improvements for Parc de la Mar is also set to commence.
Cleanliness and Sports Facilities
The annual Palma a Punt programme, "which strengthens the city’s daily cleaning efforts," will proceed in three phases. In sports development, several initiatives are on the agenda for 2026. A competition for the design of a new municipal pavilion at Lluís Sitjar, planned for 2,000 seats and integrated support facilities, will be launched. Additionally, the council aims to move forward on the athletics track at Son Moix, overcome past construction delays, refurbish the Germans Escales sports hall, upgrade multi-sports facilities at Sant Jordi, and renovate football pitches elsewhere in the city.