Balcova Municipality

Organisation Profile

Balçova Municipality is a local public authority serving a population of approximately 80,000 citizens within the İzmir Metropolitan Area. With its unique combination of geothermal heritage, green landscapes, and strategic location between the sea and the mountains, Balçova has become a leading example of sustainable and people-oriented urban governance in Türkiye. As Balçova Municipality, we have a service protocol with the Balçova Association for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and we organize joint activities together.

The Municipality operates with a strong institutional structure that combines traditional local governance with forward-looking innovation strategies. Its key focus areas are:

·  Smart & Digital Governance: Integrating digital platforms, AI-supported systems, and IoT-based solutions into municipal operations to increase efficiency, transparency, and citizen participation.

·  Social Inclusion: Designing programs and services that ensure equal access for seniors, youth, women, migrants, and people with disabilities, reinforcing Balçova’s reputation as an inclusive city.

·  Health & Wellness: Leveraging its geothermal and thermal resources to position Balçova as a European hub for health and rehabilitation tourism, creating jobs and added value for the local economy.

·  Environmental Sustainability: Implementing zero-waste policies, renewable energy projects, and green infrastructure investments that align with EU and national climate neutrality goals.

·  Youth Empowerment: Fostering education, creativity, and entrepreneurship through youth centers, science festivals, hackathons, and EU cooperation projects.

Balçova Municipality also maintains a strong network of partnerships with universities, civil society organisations, and the private sector, as well as active support in international cooperation programs (Erasmus+, Horizon Europe). This collaborative approach allows the Municipality to act not only as a local service provider but also as a proactive global partner, sharing best practices and co-developing innovative solutions.

Activities and Experience

Digitalisation & Smart City

Balçova is implementing citizen-friendly digital platforms that allow residents to access municipal services online, enhancing transparency and efficiency. With an extensive fiber-optic infrastructure, the municipality is deploying AI-enabled traffic management and city security systems, integrating more than 450 smart cameras across critical zones. These systems provide real-time incident detection, traffic flow optimisation, and predictive analytics for public safety.

IoT-based environmental sensors monitor air quality, noise levels, and carbon emissions, feeding into GIS dashboards accessible to decision-makers and the public. Thermal imaging cameras placed along forest lines enable early detection of fires and environmental hazards, directly supporting emergency response teams.

Through the BalçovaKentliApp, citizens can report issues, follow municipal services, and actively engage in local governance, creating a transparent, participatory model of smart city development.