{"id":5980,"date":"2024-12-19T17:52:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rivistaeco.com\/?p=5980"},"modified":"2024-12-19T17:52:08","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:52:08","slug":"governing-major-cities-is-a-national-issue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rivistaeco.com\/en\/2024\/12\/19\/governing-major-cities-is-a-national-issue\/","title":{"rendered":"Governing Major Cities Is a National Issue"},"content":{"rendered":"

Giuseppe Sala, known as Beppe, has been the mayor of Milan since 2016 and was re-elected for a second term on October 4, 2021. He served as CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A. from 2010 to 2016, also holding the position of sole commissioner. Previously, he held executive roles at Pirelli and Telecom Italia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Milan is growing, changing, and transforming. Its ambition pushes it forward, but this doesn\u2019t make it immune to setbacks: the Lombard capital\u2019s skyline grows taller and more jagged, yet high rents strain family budgets; new metro lines coexist with 600,000 cars entering the city daily; neighborhood revitalization and the legacy of the upcoming Olympics won\u2019t be enough to dispel the widespread perception that the streets are increasingly unsafe, especially at night. \u201cMilan suffers from the problems faced by all major cities,\u201d defends Mayor Beppe Sala, who does not hesitate to call on the national government, particularly regarding housing.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Mayor Sala, in Milan, as in other major Italian cities, the rising cost of rents is becoming an increasingly urgent issue. What do you see as the main causes of this phenomenon, and how far can the municipal administration go to address it?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The housing issue is an emergency not only in Milan but across Italy, and I would even say internationally, as evidenced by the fact that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has, for the first time, assigned a commissioner\u2014Danish Dan Jorgensen\u2014a portfolio dedicated to housing policies. What we\u2019re seeing today is that while housing costs rise, wages remain fairly stagnant, widening the gap between incomes and living costs. That is the problem. Compounding it is the fact that housing receives little attention at the national level, with the last housing plan dating back 70 years. For this reason, we, as the municipality of Milan, have decided to intervene, defining an extraordinary housing plan aiming to create 10,000 permanent social housing units with controlled rents not exceeding \u20ac80 per square meter per year over the coming years. In this way, we aim to address the housing needs of the middle-income population. Initially, we will make approximately 300,000 square meters of municipal land available either through surface rights or at symbolic prices, so that, in collaboration with the private sector, we can achieve the plan\u2019s goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

To curb the problem, would you support limiting short-term rentals, as is done in cities like Barcelona and New York?<\/b><\/h3>\n

I wouldn\u2019t be opposed. But it requires regulation from the government, which doesn\u2019t currently exist.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is concern that rising rents and living costs could make Milan less attractive to middle- and low-income workers, who are essential for city services and activities. Is this a real emergency?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Milan is a welcoming and attractive city, and it must remain so. When a significant portion of the population\u2014families, young people, workers earning between \u20ac1,500 and \u20ac2,500 a month\u2014struggles to afford living costs in the city, policymakers must consider how to provide concrete assistance. As I mentioned, Milan\u2019s municipal government has proposed building a significant number of permanent social housing units at controlled rents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s talk about transportation. You\u2019ve just inaugurated the city\u2019s fifth metro line, but plans are already in motion for a new one. There are ambitious projects, including Line M6 and several extensions. How can public transport\u2014both its operation and new infrastructure\u2014be funded without excessively raising costs for users?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Building metro lines requires significant funding that the municipality\u2019s finances cannot sustain alone. These resources either need to come from the government or be sought and obtained through participation in national or European funding programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, 600,000 cars enter Milan daily, while parking spaces are only half that number. Is reducing private vehicle traffic a priority for the city?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The priority is to improve air quality and traffic flow in the city. While opposition parties frame it as such, ours is not a war on cars. It is a commitment to the environment, which necessarily involves implementing policies like Area B and Area C. Mobility habits need to change. Increased use of public transport, shared mobility services, and bicycles would help make streets more livable and the air cleaner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet the models of Paris, London, and Barcelona, which have significantly reduced car traffic, still seem far away. How long will it take Milan to follow their example?<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s hard to say. But if you never start, you never arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pedestrianization, the expansion of green spaces, and traffic restrictions are often unpopular with those directly affected. How can political support for such changes be sustained?<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s impossible to please everyone, and I\u2019m fully aware of that. However, I\u2019m also aware that Milan\u2019s position in the international context, evolving regulations, and growing societal awareness of environmental issues require us to change our perspective on mobility. We\u2019ve embarked on a path, and we don\u2019t intend to turn back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mayor, as an avid cyclist, you must be aware that cyclist safety remains a critical issue, especially given the worrying data on road fatalities. What concrete actions is the administration planning to make Milan\u2019s streets safer for those choosing sustainable mobility?<\/b><\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve introduced a requirement for blind spot sensors on all heavy vehicles, including trucks and vans. We were the first in Italy to do so, defending the decision all the way to the Council of State, which ruled in our favor. We\u2019ve also increased the number of school streets with a 30 km\/h speed limit; to date, we\u2019ve issued 110 ordinances. Additionally, Milan boasts 328 kilometers of bike lanes, with more under construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another contentious issue is the transformation of former railway yards, which has been at the center of intense negotiations between the municipality and private developers. On the one hand, citizens increasingly demand green spaces and public areas to improve quality of life; on the other, private developers have economic needs. How have you managed to balance these conflicting demands?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The program agreement we signed in 2017 allocates 65% of the total area to green spaces and public areas, creating around 200,000 square meters of ecological connections along the railway tracks. At least 30% of the built area will be dedicated to social housing, and 7% to standard regulated housing, while 32% of the total volumes will be reserved for non-residential purposes. The maximum share for free-market housing is limited to 38% of the buildable area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s move on to safety. Many citizens are concerned about safety conditions on Milan\u2019s streets, particularly at night and in certain neighborhoods. How is the municipality addressing this? For instance, do you think extending metro hours on weekends could help? This is common in many European cities.<\/b><\/h3>\n

Milan suffers from the problems faced by major cities, especially those that attract people in need. Safety is a right and must be addressed concretely, not ideologically. Alongside other police forces, the municipality, through local police, is doing its part: during my second term, we\u2019ve launched a major hiring program to reach a staff of 3,350 officers\u2014the highest number ever. We\u2019re also working on technical improvements, such as better city lighting. Regarding extended public transport hours, it would be better if services operated longer, but this is a delicate issue given economic sustainability, which must be taken into account. Additionally, we\u2019re finalizing a reorganization plan for local police, with input from Franco Gabrielli, our voluntary security and social cohesion delegate. One goal is to increase the presence of neighborhood officers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Milan is preparing to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. What legacy could this event leave for the city?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Olympics will undoubtedly leave a tangible legacy: a new arena for sports and events (Arena Santa Giulia), a student residence in Porta Romana (which will serve as the Olympic Village during the games), and upgrades to metro stations to improve accessibility. Lastly, the Olympics will strengthen Milan\u2019s image as an international city capable of managing the significant influx of visitors and audiences arriving for the events.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discussions and debates also surround the fate of the San Siro stadium. Will it be preserved? Could the municipality have played a more active role in negotiations with the teams?<\/b><\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve received many criticisms. The truth is that the municipality has done everything necessary and appropriate, involving the Council, commissions, and citizens. We even initiated a public debate to analyze the teams\u2019 initial proposal and evaluate its impact on the neighborhood. We also considered various solutions, including the renovation of San Siro. But I can\u2019t force the teams to take a step they don\u2019t want to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still on the topic of renewal, Parliament is discussing the \u201cSave-Milan\u201d amnesty to resolve the regulatory crisis halting 150 projects, including Torre Milano on Via Stresa and the redevelopment of Piazzale Loreto. How can these projects be salvaged?<\/b><\/h3>\n

We\u2019re waiting for clarity, and we hope it comes soon. It\u2019s needed by everyone\u2014us as institutions, the construction companies and their workers, as many projects have been halted, and the citizens who have invested their savings in these developments.<\/span><\/p>\n

You still have about two years left in your term. How do you envision Milan in ten years? And fifty years?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Whether it\u2019s ten, twenty, or fifty years from now, what I imagine and wish for Milan is that it continues to be an attractive, inclusive, and equitable city\u2014in terms of investments, tourism, students, and workers. A city capable of making a difference nationally and internationally on the fronts of rights and environmental sustainability, one that seizes development opportunities and creates value for itself and the country, fostering solidarity among its citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Greta Ardito is a journalist and editorial coordinator for <\/span>eco<\/span>. She has worked for <\/span>Sky TG24<\/span> and <\/span>Class CNBC<\/span> and collaborated with lavoce.info, <\/span>Wired Italia<\/span>, <\/span>Linkiesta<\/span>, and <\/span>Il Foglio<\/span>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Giuseppe Sala, known as Beppe, has been the mayor of Milan since 2016 and was re-elected for a second term on October 4, 2021. He […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5738,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"coauthors":[39],"class_list":["post-5980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-non-categorizzato"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGoverning Major Cities Is a National Issue - Rivista Eco<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rivistaeco.com\/en\/2024\/12\/19\/governing-major-cities-is-a-national-issue\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Governing Major Cities Is a National Issue - Rivista Eco\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Giuseppe Sala, known as Beppe, has been the mayor of Milan since 2016 and was re-elected for a second term on October 4, 2021. 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