Housing, education and water supply account for the largest share of spending, with a strong emphasis on projects funded under Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). Together, these priority areas represent around 60% of the municipality’s Multiannual Investment Plan for 2026 and 30% of total expenditure.
The Municipality of Lagos approved its 2026 Major Planning Options on the penultimate day of December. The document sets out the strategic objectives, the Multiannual Investment Plan and the main activities to be carried out during the year, within a total budget of €128,674,060. This represents an increase of around 3% compared to the previous fiscal year, equivalent to an additional €4.2 million in absolute terms.
Housing stands out as the main investment area, with €17.3 million allocated in 2026 (€46.7 million through 2031). Non-tertiary education will receive €11.5 million this year (€25.8 million by 2031), while water supply accounts for €9.7 million in 2026 (€27.5 million through 2031). These are the leading sectors within the municipality’s Multiannual Investment Plan.
The document outlines municipal governance priorities based on the guiding principle of “leaving no one behind”, positioning local policy and municipal action as tools for protection, inclusion, development and opportunity creation. The 2025–2029 horizon is therefore built on cross-cutting principles that apply to all areas of governance, ensuring ideological coherence and a forward-looking vision, while maintaining budgetary balance and keeping the local tax burden at levels favourable to families and businesses.
Housing Dignity
The first guiding principle is housing dignity. In a context of intense housing pressure, the municipality is committing to a planned and sustained intervention to ensure that those who live and work in Lagos can build stable, secure lives with a future. The municipal housing programme, grounded in the Local Housing Strategy, the Municipal Housing Charter and direct public investment, embodies this commitment to social justice.
Key measures include the continuation of municipal housing construction projects launched during the previous term, which will add 231 new rental units to the municipal housing stock; the completion of the Caliças allotment process; and the approval of a model enabling the construction of several hundred homes for sale at controlled prices. Rehabilitation of older municipal housing developments will also continue.
New initiatives include the creation of a collaborative housing unit as part of the 104 dwellings currently under construction in Chesgal, as well as a temporary residence for professionals in strategic sectors for the municipality. This latter project aims to provide transitional accommodation to support integration and to help attract and retain qualified human resources in Lagos.
Social Cohesion and Equal Opportunities
The second principle is social cohesion and equal opportunities. With the understanding that social policy should go beyond ad hoc support and instead rely on coordinated, permanent and preventive strategies that foster autonomy and inclusion, the municipality will continue to invest in the local Social Network. This involves charities, associations and public services working together to build more resilient, supportive and inclusive communities.
Health and Well-being
Health and well-being form the third priority area of this mandate. At a time when chronic diseases are on the rise, mental health concerns are growing and population ageing demands new proximity-based responses, Lagos is adopting an integrated approach to health, focused on prevention, health literacy, community engagement and access.
Investment in new primary healthcare facilities—including the construction of a High-Resolution Ambulatory Care Unit, an innovative model for healthcare delivery—the strengthening of Family Health Units (USF), the promotion of physical activity and nutrition education programmes are among the measures aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
Education, Youth, Culture, Heritage and Sport
Education, youth, culture, heritage and sport constitute the fourth principle, pursuing a vision of a society that values knowledge, creativity, identity and the potential of all generations. The focus remains on a strong, inclusive and high-quality public education system; on recognising young people as active agents rather than passive recipients of policy; and on culture and heritage as foundations of community life and collective memory.
Sport also continues to receive strong support as a driver of health, inclusion and citizenship. Key projects include the completion of the rehabilitation and expansion of EB 2/3 das Naus school; the expansion project for Tecnopolis School and studies to enlarge the pre-school and primary education network; the resumption of works to expand the Lagos Museum – Dr José Formosinho Centre; and the completion of the Health and Well-being Park project.
Economic Development
The fifth principle guiding the 2025–2029 strategy is economic development based on innovation, sustainability and the strengthening of the local business fabric. While tourism remains the main economic driver, the municipality aims to promote greater balance and year-round distribution of activity, alongside stronger links with culture, sport, nature and local identity.
At the same time, Lagos will continue to invest in technological innovation, partnerships with universities, the development of co-working and incubation spaces, and support for local businesses.
Protection of Territory, Nature, Climate and Public Space
The sixth principle focuses on protecting the territory, nature, climate and public space. As a coastal municipality, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, natural risks and the pressures of intensive tourism. The municipal strategy is based on the premise that protecting the territory means protecting people.
Priorities include upgrading the road network, expanding green spaces, climate adaptation measures, investment in renewable energy, improved mobility and enhanced public space management, alongside civil protection, safety and animal welfare. Notable projects include urban regeneration and rehabilitation in strategic areas such as those surrounding the EN 125 road, Largo do Ferro de Engomar, Largo Dr Vasco Gracias (near the Church of Our Lady of Carmo), the redevelopment and expansion of the former Conde de Ferreira School building and Praça d’Armas, the third phase of the Green Ring Park, and the second phase of the Meia Praia Seafront Promenade.
In terms of water efficiency, plans include the reuse of treated wastewater from the treatment plant and the upgrading of irrigation systems.
Democratic, Participatory and Modern Governance
The seventh and final principle is democratic, participatory and modern governance. Effective governance goes beyond infrastructure delivery—it requires citizen engagement, active listening, transparency, strategic planning and accountability. Investments in expanded digital services, multichannel accessibility and the relaunch of the Participatory Budget are among the measures planned in this area.
Together, these principles—housing dignity, social cohesion, strong public health, transformative education, participatory youth policies, vibrant culture, valued heritage, accessible sport, a dynamic economy, sustainable innovation, territorial protection and participatory governance—form the foundation of the Major Planning Options for 2026–2029. They also reflect the municipality’s commitment to aligning local action with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Note: Further details on the Municipality of Lagos’ Major Planning Options and 2026 Budget are available in the documents published on the Virtual Desk (Balcão Virtual).
