Housing and full use of European Union support programs. These are the immediate priorities for the new Praia da Vitória City Council Executive, which took office on Thursday morning, the 30th, in the Noble Hall of the City Hall.

In her speech, the Mayor of Praia da Vitória emphasized that the first step towards new housing solutions is the implementation of the Local Housing Strategy.

“We want to create the conditions for every citizen to have access to decent housing. This is a social and human commitment, which will be achieved through policies agreed with the Regional Government, the parishes, and private entities, in a comprehensive response to the real needs of the population,” said Vânia Ferreira.

“Similarly, we will continue to make efficient and responsible use of the opportunities offered by EU funds, both in projects that have already been approved and in applications that are being prepared. These instruments are essential for driving forward structural works, modernizing infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and supporting local economic development. Until the end of the term of office that is now beginning, our commitment is not to miss any opportunity. But we will do so without jeopardizing the municipality’s financial stability and ensuring that each investment does not become a burden in the future,” she explained, outlining the second priority announced.

According to the mayor, who has renewed her leadership of the Praia municipality, strengthening support for businesses and economic and social entrepreneurship, social support, and cultural revitalization are other priority strategies to be developed throughout the term, based on the objectives of job creation, population retention, and territorial cohesion.

“But community cohesion is also achieved through the development of each area that makes up our municipality. The balanced development of the municipality depends on a close cooperative relationship between the City Council and the Parish Councils. We will strengthen this partnership by listening to the people, supporting their projects, and ensuring that no parish is forgotten,” assured Vânia Ferreira.

“The municipality will continue to be an active and supportive partner, collaborating with cultural, sports, and social associations, which contribute so much to the dynamism and well-being of our community. Together, we will build more effective and sustainable responses to the challenges of the present,” added the mayor of Praia.

Among the most important projects to be developed in the short term, Vânia Ferreira listed the intervention on Rua Padre Damião, the revitalization of the municipal market, the redevelopment of the Escadaria do Facho, and the promotion of the bay as a privileged space in the region for sailing, with benefits in terms of economic and tourist development.

“These are projects that we have immediately included in the list of actions to be implemented in the first years of this term of office. And in that list we also include the strengthening of synergies with the Municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. We want solid institutional cooperation, based on respect and the sharing of common goals. The development of Terceira Island requires an integrated vision, and it is in this spirit that we will continue to work together—for the benefit of our companies, our people, and the collective future of Terceira,” she explained.

In her speech, Vânia Ferreira also reaffirmed the hallmarks that will continue to characterize this term of office: rigor, transparency, and clarity in decision-making.

“But you can expect renewed energy, new ideas, and new approaches from us as we face these challenges,” she assured.

“From Biscoitos to Porto Martins, our main purpose is to continue building a territory where it is worth living, where everyone has opportunities to consolidate their family, professional, and personal goals. That is our North Star. That is our Priority. We want a modern, sustainable, and supportive Praia da Vitória that honors its roots and projects its future with confidence,” she summarized.

The ceremony to install the local government bodies took place on Thursday, the 30th, in the Noble Hall of the Town Hall.

The President of the Municipal Assembly of Praia da Vitória, Paulo Luís, renewed his term in office. Executive councilors Emanuel Sousa, Paula Sousa, and John Branco, and non-executive councilors Marco Martins, Patrícia Lopes, and Manuel Pires also took office at the City Council.

For the 2025-2029 term, the Municipal Assembly of Praia da Vitória is composed of 11 municipal deputies from the PPS-PSD/CDS-PP coalition, 9 municipal deputies from the PS, and one municipal deputy from Chega. In addition to these, there are 11 presidents of the Municipality’s Civil Parish Councils.

From Press Release

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.