Nunes Signs Law Allowing Auction or Concession of São Paulo Streets as Prosecutors Seek Suspension

Overview

• The law was published in the city’s Diário Oficial on October 7 and authorizes reclassifying selected public ways and lots for auction or temporary concession.
• Included is the Jardins travessa off Alameda Lorena, where City Hall estimates up to R$ 25 million in revenue and reporting points to Helbor as the likely bidder after buying the surrounding homes.
• Ricardo Nunes vetoed targeted amendments, including a concession to an NGO led by a councilor’s mother, while keeping others that open the door for actions on streets and lots in areas such as Itaim Bibi, Faria Lima–JK, Pirituba and the East Zone.
• A September state decree declared nearby properties of the planned Nove de Julho station for Line 16‑Violeta as public utility, a move that could constrain the Jardins operation; Nunes said any metro acquisition would be at market value.
• City officials say each transfer depends on technical studies and contrapartidas, while critics and urbanists describe the measure as a privatization of public space that would reduce access and social mixing.