> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Barcelona mayor backs housing reform - URL: https://barna.news/barcelona-mayor-backs-housing-reform/ - Published: 2026-09-28T14:47:45.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-28T14:47:45.000Z - Description: Mayor Jaume Collboni says public policies can address Spain’s housing crisis during report launch at Disseny Hub. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: housing ## Collboni presents 'Future Lives' report On Monday 28 September 2026, Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni participated in the presentation of the 'Future Lives' report at the Disseny Hub Barcelona, located at the intersection of Carrer d’Àvila and Carrer d’Irene Sendra. The event began at 12:00 and was closed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. --- ## Housing as a public right Collboni asserted that public policies can effectively tackle the housing challenge in Spain, describing the struggle for housing as "a fight for democracy and for Europe's future." He stressed the need for stronger regulation to curb speculation by investment funds and tourist rental platforms, which he said are pushing residents out of the city. > We have decided to change the rules of the game to build more homes, make them more affordable, and protect working-class families. He highlighted measures including rent controls, which City Hall claims have reduced rents by 5%, and the planned removal of over 10,000 tourist flat licences from 2028 onward, with the aim of returning those units to long-term residential use. ### Call for European action In a previous address to the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, Collboni called for a minimum European regulatory standard to counter short-term rentals and speculative investment. He noted that average rents in Barcelona have risen 68% over the past decade, while wages in Catalonia increased by only 16%. He also advocated for direct access by cities to European funds for affordable housing construction, arguing that local governments must be empowered to act. ### International cooperation on housing Following a visit to New York, Collboni is advancing plans for an international alliance of cities, including Toronto and Mexico City, to combat housing speculation. The first working meeting is scheduled to take place in Barcelona in November 2026\. The initiative aims to confront global actors such as vulture funds and digital rental platforms, reframing housing as a constitutional and human right rather than a financial asset. ### Public housing developments underway The city is currently advancing 19 public housing projects totalling 1,151 protected homes. Larger developments are planned in coming years, even as private construction activity has slowed significantly. Later on 28 September, Prime Minister Sánchez visited a publicly funded affordable rental building on Badajoz Street to inspect completed units. Media wishing to cover the events were required to register by 08:00 via [premsa.catalunya@correo.gob.es](mailto:premsa.catalunya@correo.gob.es), citing either “acte Vidas Futuras” or “acte habitatge” in the subject line. --- *Primary sources:* [*ajuntament.barcelona.cat*](https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/premsa/2026/09/27/jaume-collboni-participa-en-lacte-presentacio-de-linforme-vidas-futuras/?ref=barna.news)*. Reported by spanishpropertyinsight.com, thenewbarcelonapost.com, infobae.com, Marta Puig i Vidal, Europa Press Barcelona.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Sánchez to Visit Barcelona Affordable Housing Scheme](https://barna.news/sanchez-to-visit-barcelona-affordable/) - [Junts Proposes Ban on Vulture Fund Home Buys](https://barna.news/junts-proposes-ban-on-vulture-fund-home/) - [Barcelona Evictions Down 56% in Decade](https://barna.news/barcelona-evictions-down-56-in-decade/) - [16 New Affordable Homes Open in Sarrià](https://barna.news/16-new-affordable-homes-open-in-sarria/)