La Laguna’s local development initiatives were at the forefront at the General Assembly of the Network of Entities for Local Development (REDEL) held in Jaén. The event brought together various administrations and organisations from across Spain to discuss economic development challenges and enhance territorial cooperation.
Domingo Galván, the councilor for Local Development, highlighted the benefits of collaboration within this national platform. He stated, “Being part of a network like REDEL allows us to see how other municipalities operate, share experiences, and learn from initiatives that could benefit La Laguna. Sustaining local development requires continuous contact with other administrations and seeking solutions that meet the needs of our citizens and businesses.”
Galván emphasized that one of the network’s significant strengths is its ability to connect entities with similar goals despite differing local contexts. Common challenges such as employment, entrepreneurship support, and enhancing small business competitiveness can be better addressed through shared experiences.
The assembly focused on territorial cohesion, funding, and innovation in local development policies, showcasing successful initiatives from Jaén province. These sessions facilitate knowledge exchange among entities that engage directly with businesses and communities, highlighting the close-knit nature of local administrations.
The agenda also included discussions on local development policy priorities for 2027-2030, guided by recommendations from REDEL’s Advisory Council. This collaborative effort aims to address forthcoming challenges faced by local entities while exploring opportunities for joint action.
Founded in 2007, REDEL comprises economic development agencies and administrations from various Spanish regions, promoting knowledge exchange, institutional cooperation, and joint project development.
La Laguna’s involvement in REDEL reflects its commitment to enhancing economic development and expanding employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Membership provides access to management experiences and tools that can help address local needs.
During the assembly, hosted by the Jaén Provincial Council, the inclusion of the Girona Provincial Council as a new member was approved, increasing REDEL’s membership to 47 entities. The assembly also ratified the Management Plan and budget for 2027, which will guide the organisation’s key actions in the upcoming year.