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The Council’s €430m 2026 budget for Almeria promises upgrades to water, health, housing, and transport – boosting life for residents and expats alike. A €430 million plan with everyday impact The Junta de Andalucia has announced nearly €430 million in funding for Almeria in 2026, marking a sharp increase from previous years and continuing a trend that has seen a provincial investment multiply more than fourfold since 2019. While the figures are largely political headlines, the impact of this year’s provincial budget could be felt far beyond town halls – affecting everyday life, local business, and the growing community of international residents who call the province home. What’s changing – and where the money is going According to the Junta’s official breakdown, Almeria will receive €429.9 million in 2026, around €12 million more than in 2025. Key areas of investment include water infrastructure (€138 million), health and education (€67 million combined), and major urban development projects such as the rail integration and intermodal AVE station (€24 million) and the Smart Green Cube innovation hub (€8.5 million) in the PITA technology park. Other allocations cover housing, coastal restoration, roads , and environmental works, including €5 million for the Puerto-Ciudad waterfront project and funds for the long delayed demolition of the Algarrobico hotel in Carboneras. For many of the roughly 30,000 British nationals living in Almeria province, these investments touch on areas that directly shape quality of life – water security during prolonged droughts, improved public healthcare capacity, and transport infrastructure that could boost tourism and property values. Tackling drought and water shortages Water infrastructure dominates this year’s plan, reflecting growing concern over Almeria’s vulnerability to drought. Projects for new sanitation, depuration, and supply systems aim to reinforce rural municipalities and coastal zones alike, safeguarding local agriculture while ensuring a stable supply for urban communities. Those living in rural homes or on urbanisations – many of which depend on municipal supply improvements – could benefit from more reliable water pressure and fewer restrictions during dry months. As one regional engineer told Cadena SER, “The province’s future depends on ensuring every litre of water is treated and reused efficiently.” Health, housing, and mobility Beyond infrastructure, healthcare and education continue to represent over 30% of the Andalucian budget. Planned upgrades to hospitals and schools in the province could reduce travel times for medical appointments and create more capacity in areas such as Mojacar, Vera, and Roquetas de Mar, where expat populations are highest. Housing and transport plans also carry potential ripple effects. The long-promised rail burial and intermodal station in Almeria city, when complete, is expected to improve national connectivity – an important development for tourism operators and seasonal visitors arriving from the UK. Meanwhile, new housing schemes could increase supply in a market where demand from foreign buyers remains strong. Investment – but will it all reach the ground? Critics note that while the Junta’s “provincialised” budgets have grown dramatically on paper, not all allocations are executed in full. Previous years saw large headline figures followed by slower delivery once projects entered the administrative pipeline. Transparency groups have urged residents to focus not only on announced sums but on execution rates, which in some years have fallen below 50%. Still, with 2026 bringing record allocations, optimism remains that more of these plans will materialise – particularly in water and transport. A broader signal of confidence This year’s budget sends a clear signal: Almeria is climbing the regional priority list. As investment spreads beyond the capital into towns like Nijar, Huercal-Overa, and Carboneras, the effects could gradually reshape infrastructure, services, and employment across the province. In a region long defined by agriculture and tourism, the focus on sustainability, innovation, and connectivity represents both an economic opportunity and a quality-of-life upgrade – one that could make Almeria even more attractive to the growing number of foreign residents choosing to stay year-round. Read more stories from Almeria.
