The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council is set to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its Urban Planning department to assist citizens with inquiries and simplify procedures. The AI initiative is a key focus of the department for the current year and aims to enhance citizen service while expediting the processing of files, providing clear guidance on obtaining licenses and permits for various activities.
This new computer tool, developed in collaboration with the University of La Laguna, is expected to provide tailored responses to citizens’ information requests on the Urban Planning website, offering clarity on required documentation and necessary steps for each specific case.
The councilor, Zaida González, emphasized the city’s commitment to improving service provision, enhancing transparency, and streamlining processes through AI implementation projects, electronic processing optimization, and process automation. These initiatives, along with administrative simplification and data-based processing, are intended to ensure efficient service delivery.
Additionally, efforts will be directed towards promoting a more dynamic licensing service to further attract investments in the Canary Islands. Plans include maintaining fee bonuses and extending projects for the hiring of interim employees.
Execution Plans
Furthermore, the department aims to address the issue of deteriorating properties without traceable owners by increasing the allocated amount for subsidiary actions. Strengthened inspection tasks will focus on building safety and conservation.
In terms of planning instruments, the budget encompasses the continuation of the General Management Plan processing and specific modifications to existing regulations to alleviate blockages in certain areas of the municipality. Corrective measures will be taken to rectify urban planning determinations causing processing inefficiencies.
Expropriation provisions include allotting funds to compensate individuals and acquire land for public projects. Planning improvements are also anticipated to facilitate access to schools and enhance the availability of land for social housing.
Personnel management enhancements are on the agenda, with plans to restructure categories and recruit new civil service positions through a Public Employment Offer.
In addition to the Urban Planning responsibilities, Zaida González will allocate a budget of 700,000 euros for the Salud-La Salle district in 2024, including initiatives such as street paving and district revitalization in collaboration with local associations and schools.
