Rome’s Ambitious Transformation: A Mayor’s Vision for a Greener, More Accessible City
Rome, the Eternal City, is on the cusp of a profound transformation, if Mayor Roberto Gualtieri’s decisive leadership and ambitious plans are any indication. Far from the image of a city grappling with perennial issues, Gualtieri presents a future-forward strategy that tackles climate change, urban mobility, and even an audacious bid for the Olympic Games. His administration, initially perceived as lacking vigor, has now embraced a decision-making style that prioritizes long-term improvements over short-term popularity.
“There will be inconveniences, but if things are not done, one cannot improve,” states Mayor Gualtieri, acknowledging the challenges ahead. This mantra underpins his administration’s willingness to undertake “strong, necessary, sometimes unpopular decisions” for the betterment of Rome. The successful conclusion of the Jubilee, just a month and a half ago, serves as a testament to the city’s organizational capabilities, yet Gualtieri’s gaze is firmly fixed on the present and future.
Battling Climate Change and Potholes: A City Under Pressure
The new year has brought its share of challenges, exacerbated by the climate crisis. Rome experienced its third wettest January since 1782, with 250 mm of rain against an average of 60 mm over the last 30 years. This has exposed the city’s vulnerabilities, particularly concerning falling trees and strained drainage systems. Gualtieri admits, “This has highlighted the city’s fragility.”
However, the administration claims to have acted proactively, implementing an ambitious climate adaptation strategy and improving drainage systems. “Thanks to all this, the impact of the cloudbursts has been contained, but there is still much to do,” he notes. The issue of falling trees, particularly the 120-year-old pines along Via dei Fori Imperiali, has been a visible concern. Gualtieri explains that these trees, planted in unsuitable soil, are reaching the end of their life cycle. Despite this, he highlights a constant decrease in fallen trees since his administration took office, attributing it to a tenfold increase in investments for tree care and maintenance. Over 100,000 new trees have been planted, with a goal of nearly 1 million across the metropolitan area.
The heavy rains have also taken a toll on Rome’s roads, a recurring complaint even from the Pope. Gualtieri announces a significant response: “We are investing over 1 billion euros in five years for the requalification of the road network, and we have deeply redone over 80% of all main roads.” A new, extraordinary 100-million-euro plan will specifically target municipal roads damaged by rain, with work commencing in spring.
Rethinking Urban Mobility: From “Zone 30” to Electric Vehicle Policies
Gualtieri’s administration is also pushing for a radical shift in urban mobility, starting with the “Zone 30” initiative. While some drivers may not have noticed the change, the mayor insists on its importance for safety. “Zone 30s reduce accident rates and fatalities, as shown by the case of Bologna,” he says. After an initial information phase, enforcement with penalties for non-compliance will gradually begin.
Controversial decisions regarding electric vehicles have also sparked debate. Electric cars will no longer enjoy free access to the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), and mild hybrids will lose free parking in blue zones. Gualtieri defends these measures, stating that the significant increase in electric vehicles (350% in four years) makes previous incentives unsustainable. “All European cities, from Oslo to Stockholm to Lisbon, are reshaping or eliminating concessions for electric cars,” he points out, emphasizing that Rome will still offer a 50% discount on ZTL access for electric vehicles. He firmly rejects accusations of a revenue-generating scheme, asserting the goal is to “decongest and protect the Historic Center, which cannot afford an unlimited number of cars.” The mayor also highlights increased controls against “smart” drivers, including revoking 20,000 disability permits in six months and monitoring ZTL entry and exit points.
Transforming the Historic Center: A “Living Room” for All Romans
The Historic Center is at the heart of Gualtieri’s urban vision. He aims to protect it from degradation, neglect, overtourism, and excessive traffic, transforming it into a “living room for all Romans.” Investments focus on restoring monuments, creating new public spaces, and pedestrianizing areas. The mayor envisions families enjoying the newly transformed Piazza Pia and a grand boulevard along Via dei Fori Imperiali. To encourage residency, the city plans to regulate short-term rentals and offer social housing rather than selling municipal properties.
“We want a lively, dynamic, and welcoming center, taking care of its decor, investing in the recovery of monuments, the opening of new squares, and widespread pedestrianization,” Gualtieri affirms. He also seeks to elevate the quality of local businesses, favoring artisan shops and proximity commerce over mini-markets, and improving the city’s dining and hospitality offerings.
Mega-Projects and Olympic Dreams: Rome’s Future Horizons
Beyond the Jubilee, Rome is embarking on a series of mega-projects set to redefine its landscape. Construction on the waste-to-energy plant is expected to begin in spring, alongside the completion of biodigesters and other recycling facilities, aiming for Rome’s self-sufficiency in waste management. The AS Roma stadium project is moving forward, with a public interest resolution to be voted on next week, paving the way for construction next year. Similarly, Lazio’s proposal to renovate the Flaminio stadium is welcomed, with the city committed to supporting both projects.
The revitalization of Ostia’s coastline is also a strategic priority, with the creation of the “Sea Park” project, a 50-million-euro investment to reduce asphalt, increase green spaces, and improve accessibility, with construction starting after summer. Furthermore, a strategic operational plan is underway to restore the Tiber River as a central environmental, social, and cultural asset, with a goal of achieving swimmability by 2032.
Inspired by the success of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Gualtieri reveals Rome’s ambition to bid for the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics. “It would be nice to bid for Rome to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympics,” he says, confident in the city’s capabilities demonstrated during the Jubilee. “A Capital like ours should not be afraid to face great challenges.”
Addressing the perceived gap between Rome and Milan in terms of growth and investment, Gualtieri acknowledges Rome’s past stagnation but asserts, “Today, however, we have restarted, and all indicators show a city where not only services are improving, but thanks to public and private investments, the economy is growing faster than the national average.” He cites Rome’s climb of 13 positions in Kearney’s Global Cities Index, surpassing Milan and entering the European top ten.
When asked about what Rome might envy in other European capitals like Paris, London, Madrid, and Berlin, Gualtieri points to their extensive and capillary subway networks. “For this reason, we are putting a lot of effort into closing this gap,” he states, highlighting the ongoing work to expand Rome’s metro lines. Ultimately, Gualtieri believes Rome must recognize its problems but also have greater confidence in its extraordinary resources. “When Rome brings together history, beauty, innovation, and modern infrastructure, it is second to none.”
Looking ahead to the electoral campaign, Gualtieri hopes it will be “based on facts and concreteness,” focusing on action, urban development ideas, problem-solving, and citizen engagement. He believes Romans now have greater confidence in change and that the city can achieve even more ambitious goals with determination, responsibility, humility, and active citizen participation.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_21/roma-il-sindaco-gualtieri-cento-milioni-per-le-buche-il-centro-va-liberato-dal-traffico-pronti-per-le-olimpiadi-7229e2bf-0c83-4a21-8292-aa26b10f0xlk.shtml
