Reus faces an unprecedented demographic challenge by surpassing 115,000 inhabitants in March 2026. Projections indicate that the figure will reach 150,000 residents before 2045, with a sustained annual increase between 1.3% and 1.5%. This dynamic forces the city council to promote a triple urban transformation focused on housing, mobility, and essential services.
Housing crisis and the need for public works
The housing deficit presents itself as the main obstacle to absorbing demand. For every ten people who have arrived in the city, only one new home has been built. Councilman Manel Muñoz calculates that it is necessary to create between 12,000 and 15,000 homes through public initiative to balance the market.
"We want to grow well and face the challenge of housing, of mobility and guarantee all basic services for those who come" - Manel Muñoz, councilor of the General Services Area
The municipal government seeks to facilitate favorable conditions for private promotions by offering tax incentives for energy savings and making land available. In parallel, alternative formulas are being applied, such as the purchase of five apartments for social housing and reductions in property tax (IBI) if the property is incorporated into the local stock exchange. The model of housing with shared services, inspired by Igualada, is also being considered.
Impact on education and services
Population growth directly impacts the educational network during the 2024-2025 school year. Schools incorporated 1,000 new students with classes already started. The priority is to offer decent housing to avoid situations of exclusion and maintain health and social care services.
"This is fundamental, even to avoid situations of exclusion and guarantee sustained growth with schools, with basic health services, with other social services and with city facilities" - Manel Muñoz, councilor of the General Services Area
Mobility and southern neighborhoods
Urban planning links sustainable development to the right to mobility and green spaces. The southern neighborhoods are projected as a future hub with the Bellissens station and the remodeling of the bus station. This node will include the future TramCamp and the intermodal connection of Vila-seca with the Airport.
"There is no municipality in the region with such a significant conjunction of new infrastructures as Reus" - Manel Muñoz, councilor of the General Services Area
The executive defends that these works will consolidate Reus as a logistical and residential benchmark in the territory. The integration of these new axes will guarantee territorial cohesion in the face of the continuous increase in residents.