Braga Approves Its Largest-Ever Budget: €285 Million to Transform the City in 2026
The plan includes new schools, buses, housing, social support, and improvements to rivers and green areas.
Setting priorities, planning investments, and measuring a territory’s ambition are some of the core objectives of a municipal budget. It is a document with a direct impact on people’s daily lives — from mobility to housing, from social services to security. In Braga, the 2026 Municipal Budget, approved this Monday, February 2, amounts to €285 million, the highest figure ever recorded, representing an increase of €43 million compared to 2025.
For the executive led by João Rodrigues, this budget marks the beginning of a new political cycle in the municipality, with strong participation from local institutions, associations, and community groups in defining priorities. “It is built on a solid starting point and projects a demanding year of implementation, focused on results,” said the mayor, highlighting the direct impact the planned measures will have on residents’ daily lives.
The budget includes a Multiannual Investment Plan (PPI) worth €102.6 million. An additional €7 million is allocated for investments to be carried out by parish councils. Altogether, the total planned investment reaches €109.6 million — also a historic high.
A significant portion of the investment will be directed toward the road network. The municipality also plans improvements to public spaces, including works at Praça Conde de Agrolongo and surrounding streets, with an investment of €2.3 million. Additional funding of €1.6 million is allocated for multi-sports courts, public lighting, playgrounds, gardens, and other public areas.
In the area of environmental sustainability and energy transition, €12.4 million has been earmarked. Planned projects include the redevelopment of the Sete Fontes Eco Park, the regulation and renaturalization of the Este River, Ribeira de Castro, and Torto River, as well as riverbank reinforcement and the creation of pedestrian paths and river beaches in areas such as Navarra, Merelim São Paio, and Cavadinho.
Investments are also planned for stormwater drainage systems, energy efficiency in municipal buildings, and energy neutrality initiatives. Other measures include upgrades to the Educational Farm (Quinta Pedagógica), environmental education programs, the “Florestar Braga” project, urban gardens, watercourse cleaning, and the renovation of the camping park.
In the area of social cohesion, education, and quality of life, the municipality is strengthening support for families, seniors, and housing. Rent and mortgage assistance programs will continue. Investments are planned to improve housing energy efficiency and to combat energy poverty.
A highlight is the completion of the University Residence at Fábrica Confiança, a project valued at around €20 million and funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan. In education, €21 million is allocated for school renovations and reinforcement of social support measures for students.
In healthcare, works are planned in several local health units, with an investment of €4.4 million, alongside strengthened community outreach and social innovation projects.
The economy and innovation remain priorities. The municipality continues to focus on attracting investment, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering the knowledge economy through structures such as Startup Braga and the BioMedTech Hub. Programs to boost local commerce and the digital economy are also planned.
The budget maintains free public transport for students and former combatants, as well as a 14% discount across all ticket types. Thirty-five new buses are planned, along with further improvements to public spaces and green areas.
In culture and tourism, approximately €8.7 million is allocated for cultural programming, and more than €11 million for the renovation of facilities and heritage sites. The goal is to strengthen Braga as a sustainable cultural and tourism destination.
In sports and youth, interventions are planned at the Flávio Sá Leite Pavilion, municipal swimming pools, and sports fields in Gualtar and Esporões. In terms of security, resources for Civil Protection, the Municipal Police, and the Fire Brigade will be reinforced.
Overall, the staffing plan foresees the hiring of 432 new employees, bringing the total number of municipal staff to 2,956.
João Rodrigues stated that the budget “is built on a solid starting point” and projects “a demanding year of execution, focused on results.” The mayor emphasized that this is a plan “to be felt” in the city’s daily life, “especially by those who most need answers and cannot afford to wait.”
Reference link: https://newinbraga.nit.pt/fora-de-casa/braga-aprova-o-maior-orcamento-de-sempre-sao-285-milhoes-para-mudar-a-cidade-em-2026
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