Regional Agencies Approved: 12 New Hubs Launching

Morocco Advances Regional Growth with New Urban Planning Agencies

Morocco is poised to reshape its approach to urban adn rural development with the adoption of Bill No. 64.23,establishing a network of Regional Urban Planning and Housing Agencies. Approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the legislation aims to decentralize policy implementation and foster more enduring territorial growth.

Did you know? – Morocco’s previous urban agencies will be integrated into these new regional bodies, streamlining operations and reducing redundancy. The goal is to create a more cohesive national approach to urban planning.

A Royal Mandate for Public Sector Reform

The bill’s passage is deeply rooted in the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who in a Speech from the Throne on July 29, 2020, called for a “profound reform of the public sector.” The King emphasized the need to address structural weaknesses within public institutions to ensure greater coherence and efficiency in their operations. This legislation represents a critically important step toward realizing that goal.

According to a senior official, the new agencies are a direct response to the conclusions of a working session chaired by His Majesty the King on October 17, 2023, specifically focusing on town planning and housing. The session highlighted the necessity of creating 12 regional agencies dedicated to these critical areas.The bill also incorporates recommendations from a national dialog on town planning and housing, as well as insights from the Court of Auditors regarding the repositioning of existing Urban Agencies.

Empowering Regional Vision and Governance

The core objective of Bill No. 64.23 is to equip regional agencies with the authority to formulate thorough territorial planning strategies at a regional level. This involves a redefinition of their missions to account for the unique characteristics of both urban and rural landscapes.

“This text is part of the dynamic of the profound reforms undertaken by Morocco,” stated the Secretary of State during the bill’s presentation.”It aims at territorializing public policies, modernizing the administration, activating advanced regionalization, and strengthening proximity to citizens.”

The legislation prioritizes modern governance structures, including:

• Effective boards of directors
• Clearly defined executive responsibilities
• robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
• A unified approach to human resources, safeguarding existing rights and streamlining legal statuses.

Pro tip – These agencies will be responsible for both urban and rural planning, a key shift intended to address disparities and promote balanced development across Morocco’s diverse regions.

Sustainable and integrated Territorial Dynamics

The overarching ambition of the new agencies is to provide territories and stakeholders with strategic, regional public institutions. These institutions will be instrumental in supporting morocco’s ongoing process of advanced regionalization and bolstering public policies related to town planning and housing.

The Secretary of State concluded that the bill is intended to stimulate “territorial dynamics in a sustainable and integrated manner.” This suggests a commitment to long-term, holistic development that considers both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

. This legislation marks a pivotal moment in Morocco’s efforts to build a more responsive,efficient,and equitable system of urban and rural planning.

Reader question – How will these new agencies coordinate with existing regional authorities to avoid overlap and ensure effective implementation of policies? What are your thoughts?