Barcelona City Council has significantly expanded its civic agent programme, doubling the number of personnel to 118 across the city, with a specific focus on high-attendance tourist areas. This unprecedented increase aims to enhance public civility and mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism, funded primarily by tourist taxation.

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The council has increased its civic agent force from 66 last summer to 118 this year, marking the highest number ever deployed. This expansion includes 33 new agents assigned to key locations such as the Sagrada Família, La Rambla, and Turó de la Rovira, with an investment of approximately €1.5 million from tourist tax revenues. Additionally, 19 civic agents introduced last summer around Park Güell remain in service this year, supported by Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM) with an investment of about €1.18 million.

The civic agents, identifiable by their uniforms, operate in morning and afternoon shifts, including weekends and public holidays. Their primary mission involves informing, requesting, and warning individuals whose behaviour might disrupt the city’s functioning, whether residents or tourists. They can also report serious conduct to the Guàrdia Urbana de Barcelona (GUB) for potential penalties, reinforcing the new Coexistence Ordinance implemented in February.

Enhancing Public Coexistence

The City Council’s overall investment in this programme exceeds €6.5 million, with half of the agents now dedicated to tourist zones. These agents play a crucial role in fostering good coexistence and civility on Barcelona’s streets. They address issues such as mobility control, waste management, and mediating behaviours like feeding animals in public or allowing dogs off-leash. The agents focus on all conduct that impacts the civic and respectful use of public space.

A Decade of Service and Adaptation

Established as a permanent unit in 2015, BSM has managed the civic agents’ operational structure under the City Council’s direction. Over the past decade, the unit has adapted to evolving urban needs, consistently fulfilling its assigned duties. Civic agents receive specific training before deployment, focusing on pedagogical approaches to correct behaviour while also documenting observations throughout their shifts. They contribute to making Barcelona a more pleasant, safe, and orderly city.

Tourist Tax Funds Sustainable Tourism

The specific and permanent deployment of 52 new agents to High-Attendance Areas (EGA) within a single year underscores the City Council’s commitment to improving tourism management. Funding this expansion through tourist taxation aligns with the objective that visitors share responsibility for public space usage. It also ensures that residents benefit from the economic activity generated by tourism. This initiative complements other measures, such as reducing cruise ship terminals from seven to five and implementing the new Bus 4.0 system to regulate tourist coach activity.

This significant increase in civic agents demonstrates Barcelona’s proactive approach to balancing its vibrant tourism industry with the quality of life for its residents. The continued investment and strategic deployment aim to ensure a more harmonious and respectful urban environment for everyone using the city’s public spaces.

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Originally published by Barcelona City Council Press Room. Read original article.