São Bernardo do Campo celebrates 473 years with budget and policy updates

São Bernardo do Campo is celebrating its 473rd anniversary. The city's historical nickname, ‘batateiros’ (potato growers), stems from its former rural identity and immigrant colonies dedicated to vegetable cultivation, as well as a long-standing local rivalry with the neighboring city of Santo André.

Marking the anniversary, Mayor Marcelo Lima provided an assessment of his 20-month administration. Key highlights include the ‘Caravana da Saúde’ initiative, which has provided over 300,000 medical services, alongside investments in public security, education, infrastructure, and land regularization.

The administration is also preparing a record budget for 2026, estimated at R$ 7.5 billion. To shape future spending, the city has conducted a series of public hearings, including the ‘Voz da Gente’ program, to gather community input on priorities such as health, education, and urban mobility.