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Escudo de Santa Bárbara

Santa Bárbara

Región del Biobío14.671 inhabitantsPoblación proyectada INE 20241.250 km² of area12 inh./km²$6.387M ingreso municipalSINIM · ingreso total percibido · 2025
Profile today2050
The comuna in context · among 346 comunas
Livability
37.8/100
24th least liveable in the country
Explore
Population
−5,8%
Population would fall between now and 2050
Society
18%
Multidimensional poverty · 187th highest of 346
Finance
$435 thousand
per inhabitant per year · rank 231 of 346
Finance
74,67%
It depends on the Common Fund: almost no own revenue
Education
564,7 pts
around the national median in the PAES (576,9 pts)
Finance
143rd
most dependent on the Common Fund of 340
Summary

What the comuna hasSource: OpenStreetMap

27 Squares and green areas
17 Schools
6 Health centers
3 Rodeo arenas (medialunas)
2 Pharmacies
2 Carabineros
2 Kindergartens
1 Hospitals
1 Fire stations

Santa Bárbara es una ciudad y comuna de la zona central de Chile, ubicada en la región del Biobío y en la provincia homónima. La ciudad se encuentra en la ribera norte del río Biobío, en el sector precordillerano de la provincia, a 225 m s. n. m., a una distancia de 42 km al sureste de Los Ángeles, capital provincial. La comuna tiene una población de 14 067 habitantes.

Introductory text from Wikipedia, bajo licencia CC BY-SA.

Liveability index · EIU style

37.8 /100
Ver el ranking y simular
#323 of 346 · most liveable in the country (EIU weighting)
Safety34
Health42
Culture and environment25
Education62
Infrastructure41
AuthoritiesWho leads the comuna, its council, sessions and lobbying requests

Mayor · 2024-2028Source: DecideChile · SERVEL

Cristián Oses A.
CHILE VAMOS · RENOVACION NACIONAL
3.430
votes (31.89%)
13.407
Electoral roll
86,54%
Turnout
Mayoral history · 7 terms
CO
Cristián Oses A.
2024-2028 · RENOVACION NACIONAL
3.430
votes
DS
Daniel Sebastian Salamanca Perez
2021-2024 · DC
2.377
votes
DI
Daniel Iraira Sagredo
2008-2012 · ILE
4.091
votes
DI
Daniel Iraira Sagredo
2004-2008 · IND
2.971
votes
RC
Rene Correa Hermosilla
2000-2004 · RN
2.089
votes
RC
Rene Correa Hermosilla
1996-2000 · RN
2.723
votes
BH
Bruno Hidalgo Riffo
1992-1996 · PPD
2.195
votes

SERVEL · TRICEL (1992-2008) · DecideChile (2024) · Wikidata (pre-1992)

Concejo MunicipalSource: DecideChile · SERVEL

HQ
Hector Quezada Q.
CHILE MUCHO MEJOR · PARTIDO SOCIALISTA DE CHILE
1.108
votes
JO
Juan Obreque U.
CHILE VAMOS UDI-EVOPOLI E INDEPENDIENTES · INDEPENDIENTE
853
votes
JS
Jose Sandoval C.
TU COMUNA RADICAL · PARTIDO RADICAL DE CHILE
732
votes
CM
Claudio Melo A.
CHILE VAMOS RENOVACIÓN NACIONAL - INDEPENDIENTES · INDEPENDIENTE
449
votes
HP
Herminio Pardo U.
CHILE MUCHO MEJOR · PARTIDO DEMOCRATA CRISTIANO
446
votes
JF
Jorge Fuentes A.
REPUBLICANOS E INDEPENDIENTES · INDEPENDIENTE
418
votes

Sesiones

Última sesión15 de junio de 2026155 minWatch session

En una línea: La sesión estuvo dominada por la defensa del acueducto municipal ante una eventual transferencia a la ESPH, los cortes de agua que afectaron a varias comunidades y un conflicto sobre el uso de la palabra de las sindicaturas.

Temas tratados

  • Juramentación de juntas de educación: Se tomó juramento a nuevos miembros de juntas escolares; un concejal del distrito les reprochó no haber respondido correos del consejo de distrito.
  • Cortes de agua por racionamiento: Una regidora pidió a la administración informar qué los justificó; los distritos afectados incluyeron Guachipelín, Calle Quizarra, Calle Cajón, Birri y Calle Solís.
  • Defensa del acueducto municipal: Los 12 síndicos presentaron un pronunciamiento conjunto contra cualquier traslado del servicio a la ESPH, en respuesta a publicaciones de la diputada Marta Eugenia Esquivel.
  • Conflicto sobre tiempo de intervención de sindicaturas: Se debatió el uso de la palabra de síndicos suplentes y la cronometración de intervenciones; se acordó una mesa de trabajo.
  • Visita del Viceministro de Telecomunicaciones: Se agendó sesión extraordinaria para el 14 de julio para recibirlo junto a representantes de San Juan.
  • Plan regulador: La alcaldesa anunció talleres de socialización el martes en San Pedro y el miércoles en Jesús.
  • Bacheo y recarpeteo: Se confirmaron trabajos en varias calles de distintos distritos; la alcaldesa prometió compartir cronograma.

Acuerdos y votaciones

  • Se aprobó otorgar visto bueno a la Escuela de Música para realizar un concierto el 4 de julio en el parque (con gestión previa de permisos ante Cruz Roja, Bomberos y Ministerio de Salud).
  • Se aprobó disolver la comisión especial del Comité Cantonal de Deportes y Recreación.
  • Se aprobó sesión extraordinaria para el 14 de julio con el Viceministro de Telecomunicaciones y representantes de San Juan.
  • Se ratificó por unanimidad la declaratoria del acueducto municipal como patrimonio público institucional de la Municipalidad y de interés público y estratégico local (ratificación del acuerdo 363-2020).
  • Se corrigió mediante moción el acuerdo N°5-2026 de la sesión anterior, que contenía un error de redacción sobre el rol de la Auditoría Interna.
  • Se aceptó la renuncia del arquitecto Víctor Shaverri como asesor de la comisión COMAD.
  • Se integró comisión para el nombramiento del Comité Cantonal de la Persona Joven (Carmen Chávez, Eiling Elizondo, Cynthia Montero, Kevin Castillo y Katia Chávez).
  • Se sustituyó a un regidor renunciante en tres comisiones: Hacienda y Presupuesto y Gobierno/Administración (→ Carmen Chávez) y Asuntos Jurídicos (→ Vincer Sánchez, nombre aproximado).

Plata y obras

  • No se mencionaron montos explícitos en la sesión.
  • Se aprobó visto bueno para fiestas patronales de Santo Domingo del Roble (7-9 de agosto), condicionado a permisos y patente provisional.
  • Bacheo en curso: Calle Guachipelín, sector La Guaracha, Calle Potrerillos, urbanización Riceñor, Calle Lajas, Calle Mapola, Calle Arena y Santo Domingo del Roble, entre otras.
  • La alcaldesa mencionó un tanque en construcción para San Pedro, sin precisar monto.

Puntos de debate o controversia

  • Acueducto y ESPH: El pronunciamiento de los 12 síndicos rechaza explícitamente cualquier traspaso a la ESPH; la alcaldesa criticó que la diputada Esquivel sostuviera reuniones con dicha empresa sin coordinar con el municipio.
  • Cortes de agua: Síndicos y regidores exigieron saber quién ordenó los cortes y con qué respaldo técnico; la administración no respondió en sesión.
  • Uso de la palabra de síndicos: La síndica Fiorela (apellido no queda claro) consultó a la UNGL, que reafirmó el derecho constitucional de las sindicaturas a intervenir; el presidente del Concejo sostuvo que nunca lo negó, sino que aplicó el límite de cinco minutos. Se acordó mesa de trabajo e invitar a la UNGL.
  • Comisión de la producta (administración del acueducto): Una regidora cuestionó una visita realizada sin aviso previo; la alcaldesa aclaró que nunca negó la inspección, solo pidió reprogramarla.
  • San Pedro: Un síndico señaló molestia vecinal porque las intervenciones de los síndicos del distrito en sesiones recientes no abordaron temas de San Pedro.

Para seguir

  • Mesa de trabajo sobre el reglamento de uso de la palabra (síndicos, regidores y presidencia); posible invitación a la UNGL.
  • Sesión extraordinaria el 14 de julio con el Viceministro de Telecomunicaciones (6 pm) y representantes de San Juan (7 pm).
  • La administración debe remitir al Concejo los informes técnicos que justificaron los cortes de agua.
  • La alcaldesa presentará en agosto una rendición de cuentas sobre los compromisos levantados en el recorrido por distritos.
  • Comisión especial para investigación de denuncia contra la Comisión de Festejos Populares se reúne el lunes 22 a las 5 pm.
  • Comisión de Hacienda y Presupuesto se reúne el miércoles 17 a las 4 pm.
  • Talleres del Plan Regulador: martes en San Pedro y miércoles en Jesús, ambos a las 6 pm.
  • El vicealcalde viajará del 22 al 26 de junio a Expo Muni 2026 (sede no queda clara en la transcripción).

Summary generated by AI (claude-sonnet-4-6) from the official broadcast transcript · may contain inaccuracies

Official council minutesSource: CPLT · Active Transparency inventory (Law 20.285)

What the council resolvesSource: Official minutes · AI extraction (ongoing)

Resolutions extracted
37
of 26 minutes read
Money involved
$3.617.649.618
sum of resolutions with amounts
ResolutionTypeAmountVote
4 · Modificación presupuestaria del departamento de educación (DAEM)Budget amendmentunanimidad
3 · Modificación presupuestaria municipal N°25Budget amendmentunanimidad
4.1 · Modificación presupuestaria N°1 del año 2026 para financiar el pago de finiquitos y disminuir gastos en programas sociales, gestión y servicios comunitariosBudget amendment$345.000.000
Fijación anual de dieta para concejalesAppointmentmayoria
4.3 · Modificación presupuestaria N°3 con redistribución de gastos en Festival de la Miel y disminución en programas sociales y actividades municipalesBudget amendment$66.000unanimidad
4.2 · Modificación presupuestaria N°2 con redistribución de gastos en Festival de la Miel y disminución en programas sociales y actividades municipalesBudget amendment$77.400unanimidad

Resolutions voted by the council, automatically extracted from the official minutes (extraction ongoing: coverage grows as the 94.917 indexed minutes are processed). May contain reading errors; the official document is the municipality's PDF.

Comptroller auditsSource: CGR · Municipal Observatory

Findingstotal
24
Highly complex
0
Audit reports
0
YearFindingsAltam.Compl.Median.Reports
201924915

CGR severity classification · audit findings on the municipality and its corporations

Who requests meetings with the municipalitySource: InfoLobby · CPLT (Law 20,730)

  • Md
    Mutual de Seguridad de la Cámara Chilena de la Construcción
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2018–2023
  • fd
    Farmacias del Sur
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2015–2016
  • TE
    Telefónica Empresas
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2017
  • DP
    Desimark Publicidad
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2019–2021
  • OS
    Ondac SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2023–2024
  • IS
    Innovit SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2018–2021
  • CP
    Consultorias Publicas Ltda.
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2023–2024
  • EP
    Empresa Periodistica Biobio Ltda.
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2017–2019
  • TE
    Tether Education Chile SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2023
  • CS
    Colbun S..a.
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2016
  • AE
    Atiaia Energía Chile
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2021–2026
  • IS
    Innuvo SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2021
  • CC
    Corporación Cultural Biobío
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2024
  • ID
    Inmobiliaria Dobre V SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2021
  • HL
    Hidroelectrica los Morros
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2017
  • CS
    Crecic S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2019
  • IP
    Instituto Profesional de los Ángeles
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2022
  • Se
    Soluciones en Seguridad Limitada
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2025
  • BL
    Byeconta Limitada
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2020
  • KS
    Kimche SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 1 audiencia · 2023
and 53 more organizations that requested meetings

Organisations that registered Lobby Law meetings with this municipality. Registering the meeting is mandatory for the official, so the list shows who asked to be heard, not whether they got anything.

PopulationWho lives here, how they study, their healthcare and more

Population and living conditionsSource: INE · CENSO · MINEDUC · ADIS

Population trend

13.589
inhabitants
14.687
inhabitants
20022025

How it has changedSource: Official INE series 2002–2026 (2017 base).

See the full trajectory to 2050
Since 2002
+8%
inhabitants
Estimated population 2050
13.848
-5% vs. 2035 (14.640)
Over 60 · 2050
42,01%
31,25% in 2035 · +11 pts of ageing

INE projects comuna population only through 2035; the 2050 values are an own estimate by the monitor, anchored to the official INE 2050 national total (21,626,079 inhab, 32.1% aged 60+). Not an official comuna figure.

IndicatorValueSource
Homes with public water supply (2017 Census)75,61 %CENSO 2017 2017
School disengagement (leaves the system)1,5 %MINEDUC 2023
School enrollment162 studentsMINEDUC · aggregated by hexagons 2024
Municipal enrollment33,3 %MINEDUC · aggregated by hexagons 2024
PAES reading comprehension (DEMRE)564,7 ptsDEMRE · MINEDUC datos abiertos 2026
PAES mathematics M1 (DEMRE)588,8 ptsDEMRE · MINEDUC datos abiertos 2026
poblacion_censo14.075 inh.2024 Census 2024
Income poverty (CASEN 2022)14,7 %CASEN 2022 · SAE Observatorio MDSF 2022
Pobreza multidimensional (CASEN 2022)18 %CASEN 2022 · SAE Observatorio MDSF 2022
Indigenous peoples14,63 %2024 Census 2024

The PAES year is that of the admission process: the test is sat in November of the previous year. The average covers only those who registered to apply to university —not every secondary-school graduate— and groups them by the comuna of the school they graduated from, not by where the student lives. Here it rests on 150 students registered for the PAES.

Registro Social de Hogares

People in the RSH
15.315
7.524 households
Households in the most vulnerable 40%
4.825
64% of RSH households
Female-headed households
50%
3.729
Elderly (60+)3.67224%
Children and adolescents (<18)3.17421%
Foreign nationals610%
Belonging to indigenous peoples1.77012%
People with moderate/severe dependency2201%
Single-person households3.24143%

A monthly administrative snapshot of the Social Household Registry (self-registration to access benefits), as of abril 2026. The "bracket 40" is the socioeconomic rating of the most vulnerable 40%. It is a registry, not a survey: it complements CASEN (biennial) with fresh data, but well-off comunas under-register. Source: ADIS, Ministry of Social Development and Family.

School educationSource: MINEDUC Open Data 2025

School enrollment
2.741
19 schools
Students per teacher
9,4
291 teachers
national median: 10,15
Average attendance
91,7%
national median: 89,8%
Priority studentsSEP
78,5%
socioeconomic vulnerability
national median: 66,8%
Where they study · by provider
Public (municipal + SLEP) 55%Private subsidized 45%
Pass rate
97,8%
national median: 98,2%
Dropoutschool withdrawal
0,76%
dropout during the year
national median: 1,77%

Aggregate of all the comuna's schools (RBD → comuna). Pass/withdrawal and attendance are from the 2025 school year. SIMCE is not published as open data (managed by the Quality Agency, by request only); the available quality proxy is passing, dropout and attendance. The PAES result appears in the social section.

Municipal healthcare (primary care)Source: SINIM · MINSAL / FONASA

CESFAM
0
Clinics
0
Rural health posts
6
FONASA enrollees
8.042
55% of the population
Doctors employed
3
Health staff by contract type
Permanent staff: 65Contract staff: 33Fee contracts: 1
Primary-care medical visits · per year
17.171
46.424
20102025
Medical specialties served · 1 in the comuna (public system)
Family Medicine

Specialties with services recorded at the comuna's public facilities (REM DEIS, 2024). These are services performed, not doctor headcount. Excludes the private network.

Comprehensive home visits · per year
1.098
602
20192025

REM-26 section A (DEIS/MINSAL): comprehensive family visits, summed across the comuna's facilities. The last year is partial while DEIS consolidates monthly reports.

Comuna's primary-care centers · FONASA 2025 enrollees (15.411 in total)
CenterTypeProvider typeEnrollees% brackets A-B
Hospital Comunitario de Santa BárbaraHospitalHealth Service8.54264%
Centro Comunitario de Salud Familiar Santa BárbaraCommunity Family Health Center (CECOSF)Municipal2.99766%
Posta de Salud Rural el HuachiRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal1.27069%
Posta de Salud Rural los BoldosRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal1.08662%
Posta de Salud Rural los JunquillosRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal90073%
Posta de Salud Rural VillucuraRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal32568%
Posta de Salud Rural el CastilloRural Health Post (PSR)Municipal29166%

FONASA brackets A-B ≈ lowest incomes (A: without resources). Source: FONASA, as of Dec 31, 2025, DEIS code.

Costs · 2025
Health spending accrued: $3.230.745.000 ($401.734/enrollee)MINSAL per capita: $1.688.677.000Municipal contribution: $78.884.000

Indigenous peoplesSource: 2024 Census (INE) · CONADI via IDE SMA

Indigenous population
2.059
14.6% of the census population (Census 2024)
Indigenous communities
11
RNAI CONADI registry · Mar 2024
PeoplePeople% of total
Mapuche2.01898.0%

2024 Census: people who consider themselves as belonging to an indigenous people (small counts are suppressed for confidentiality at the source and not shown). Communities: CONADI national registry as of March 2024 — Araucanía and Los Lagos not refreshed in that update, the count is a floor. Land grants: 2022 registry.

Community organizationSource: RPJSFL Civil Registry (Law 20.500/19.418) · as of Jun 2026

Active neighborhood councils
44
Councils per 1,000 inhabitants
3.0
density of territorial organization
Non-profit organizations
289
the entire active civil fabric
Committees (water, housing, progress)
82
Sports
40
For the elderly
35
Social and aid
17
Cultural
1
Foundations and corporations
1

All the comuna's active non-profit legal entities (Law 20.500 / 19.418), classified by organization name. It portrays the civil fabric: not just neighborhood councils, also committees, sports clubs, cultural and elderly groups, foundations and fire brigades.

2 Local media · FMSource: SUBTEL · broadcasting licences · Regional Media Survey (MSGG)

Local mediaTypedial
DBDOÑA BARBARAFM91.9 FM
ENEmisiones Nancy Marisol Diaz Reyes E.I.R.L. · holderFM106.5 FM

The dial (frequency) of every FM, AM and community radio with a studio in the comuna (SUBTEL, active sound broadcasting concessions). National networks appear in their headquarters' comuna, not necessarily where they broadcast. When SUBTEL records no brand name, its holder (the concession holder).

Foreign-born populationSource: 2024 Census · INE

Foreign nationals
97
0,7% of the census population (Census 2024)
Main origin
Venezuela
27 people · 28% of the foreigners
Main countries of origin
27 Venezuela
20 Argentina
12 Bolivia
7 Colombia

International immigrants per the 2024 Census (people born outside Chile living in the comuna). Nationwide they are 1,608,650 people, 8.8% of the population.

Housing and housing deficitSource: MINVU (Encampment Registry + 2024 Census deficit + subsidies) · INE

Families in informal settlements
8
1 encampment (2024 Registry)
Housing deficit
255
4,9% of the comuna's households
Housing permits · 2024
42
3.485 m² · new construction
Subsidies Integrated System · DS01
179
paid · 2011–2025
Subsidies Solidarity Fund · DS49
544
beneficiaries · 2012–2023
Subsidies Rental · DS52
146
paid · 2014–2024

Encampments: MINVU National Registry 2024 (irregular settlements and the families living in them). Quantitative deficit: homes missing per the 2024 Census (doubling-up + unrecoverable overcrowding). Permits: new homes authorized by the Works Directorate in 2024 (INE) — measures future construction, not stock. Subsidies: MINVU by application comuna — DS49 accrues beneficiaries by resolution year; DS01 and DS52 accrue payments by application cohort (national totals in the source file differ ~1–6% from the comuna sum; the comuna series is published).

What the homes are like

10.575homes · by type (2017)
House
5.284 · 97.3%
House
5.105 · 99.3%
Shack/hut/shanty
91 · 1.7%
Other private
26 · 0.5%
Other private
25 · 0.5%
Room in old house/tenement
22 · 0.4%
Indigenous dwelling
9 · 0.2%
Shack/improvised dwelling
5 · 0.1%
Traditional/indigenous dwelling
4 · 0.1%
Room in old house/tenement
3 · 0.1%
Apartment
1 · 0%
67%owner-occupied · tenure (2002)
Owned outright
1.946 · 59.5%
Provided for work
388 · 11.9%
Rented
388 · 11.9%
Free of charge
314 · 9.6%
Owned, being paid off
236 · 7.2%

Housing type: 2017 Census · tenure: 2002 Census (INE).

Elderly careSource: Chile Cuida · National Assets / SENAMA

Long-stay residencesELEAM
1
Beds
36
10,1 per 1,000 over-60s

Long-stay facilities for the elderly registered in Chile Cuida. Comunas without ELEAM send their elders to other comunas. With projected ageing (see Demographic projection), this capacity defines whether one can age in one's own comuna.

ResourcesBudget, spending, municipal procurement and more

Benefits under special regimesSource: Laws/SII/BCN/MTT/Treasury · deep-research verified

Fiscal or economic treatments that apply only to this comuna or its zone, not the rest of Chile. The chip color shows who it reaches: municipality, community, residents, companies or workers.

Others
Asignación de zona 15% (DL 249)workerspreliminary data
DL 249/1974 art. 7 · DL 3.551/1980 art. 25 · Ley 19.354

Sobresueldo mensual a funcionarios públicos según aislamiento/costo de vida: 15% del sueldo base (art. 7 DL 249). A los funcionarios municipales llega vía art. 25 del DL 3.551/1980 y el monto se aumenta en 40% (Ley 19.354) — salud primaria municipal (Ley 19.378) la percibe sin ese aumento; asistentes de la educación y personal de corporaciones no la perciben (Código del Trabajo). El %/territorio usa la división de 1974: dentro de una comuna pueden regir % mayores en localidades específicas (retenes, islas, cordillera) no reflejados acá; la CGR resuelve caso a caso. Comunas sin asignación no aparecen.

15% del sueldo base (municipal: ×1,4 por Ley 19.354)· vigente (art. 7 versión 22-dic-2021, verificado 2026-07-02)Source

Budget and revenue sourcesSource: SINIM · SUBDERE

Total revenue · 2025
$6.386.763.000
Own revenue
$1.363.841.000
21% of the total
Municipal Common Fund
$4.019.536.000
63% of the total
State transfers
$450.156.000
7% of the total
Ingreso total y desglose de ingresos propios

Total revenue · trend (2001–2025)

$867.074.000
$6.386.763.000
20012025

Own revenue breakdown (IPP) · 2025

32.4%
24.0%
19.1%
23.3%
Property tax$441.779.000
Business licenses$327.443.000
Vehicle permits$260.379.000
Cleaning fees$16.261.000
Other own revenue$317.979.000
Special-law revenues · 2025
Mining licenses (Law 19.143): $18.168.000

Distributed by law to specific comunas; they arrive via transfers.

Revenue by sector · 2025
35.8%
45.7%
18.5%
Municipal$6.386.763.000
Education$8.165.242.000
Health$3.310.839.000
Municipal Common Fund balance · 2025
Net recipient: it receives $3.574.875.000 more than it contributes.
Evolución por fuente de ingreso

Permanent own revenue (IPP) · trend

$278.882.000
$1.363.841.000
20012025

FCM received · trend

$467.048.000
$4.019.536.000
20012025

State transfers · trend

$73.253.000
$450.156.000
20012025

Municipal spending and budget executionSource: SINIM · SUBDERE

Current budget · 2025
$7.011.581.000
Accrued spending · 2025
$5.615.608.000
Execution rate
80.1%
Unexecuted: $1.395.973.000
Medium execution: it executed 80.1%. Left unspent: $1.395.973.000.

Accrued spending · trend

$852.661.000
$5.615.608.000
20012025

Distribution by management area · 2025

64.4%
19.5%
11.5%
Internal management$3.617.650.000
Community services$1.096.587.000
Social programs$645.259.000
Municipal activities$134.387.000
Recreational programs$23.951.000
Cultural programs$97.774.000

What the budget is spent on · 2025

Spending lineAmount% of spending
Municipal healthcare (primary care) · comuna health-sector spending$3.230.745.00057.5%
Goods and services (operations) · supplies, contracts, maintenance$2.131.083.00037.9%
Municipal personnel · municipal wages and fees$1.851.501.00033.0%
Cleaning, garbage and landfills · waste collection and disposal$536.697.0009.6%
Electricity (facilities)$325.381.0005.8%
Transfers to education$287.036.0005.1%
Investment (works and projects)$102.011.0001.8%
Councillor stipends$80.575.0001.4%
Transfers to health$78.884.0001.4%
Water (facilities)$70.792.0001.3%
Street lighting$25.716.0000.5%
Travel allowances$18.573.0000.3%
Commissions and representation$895.0000.0%

Share of total accrued spending. Lines overlap (personnel sits inside several areas), so they don't add to 100%. Source: SINIM.

Personal y dotación municipal

Spending composition · 2025

33.0%
37.9%
29.1%
Personnel (Subt. 21)$1.851.501.000
Goods and services (Subt. 22)$2.131.083.000
Others$1.633.024.000

Personnel by contract type · 2025

52.0%
25.4%
17.2%
Permanent staff$1.182.363.000
Contract staff$577.649.000
Fee contracts$91.489.000
Labor Code$30.217.000
Community progs.$391.978.000

Municipal headcount · 2023

49.3%
49.3%
Permanent staff37
Contract staff37
Fee contracts1
Total: 75 staffFee contracts: 1.3% of the headcountWomen: 48.6%Professionalization: 51.3%
Cost/staffer permanent: $28.203.730/yearCost/staffer contract: $13.351.838/yearCost/staffer fees: $85.388.000/year

Municipal staff by contract status (SINIM, 2023). Cost per staffer = annual spending of the type ÷ same-year headcount.

Inversión, servicios básicos y obras

Investment and authorities' expenses · 2025

Municipal investment: $102.011.000 (1.8% of spending)Councillor stipends: $80.575.000Travel allowances: $18.573.000Commissions and representation: $895.000

Basic and general services · 2025

Garbage and landfills: $536.697.000Street lighting: $25.716.000Electricity: $325.381.000Water: $70.792.000

Final works approvals (DOM) · per year

151
20
20012025

Building permits issued · per year

176
137
20122025

Management indicator · 2025

Maintained green areas per inhabitant
4 m²/inh.
Security/patrol cars
1
Security/patrol bicycles
0
Surveillance cameras
12
Security/patrol pickups
1
Security booths
0
CESFAM in the comuna
0
Primary-care medical visits
46.424
Clinics
0
urban and rural
Dependence on the Municipal Common Fund
74,67%
of own revenue
Security drones
0
Permanent staff
39
Permanent own revenue
21,35%
of total revenue
Doctors employed
3
as of Dec 31
Security/patrol motorcycles
0
Building permits
137
Health staff
33
contract
Health staff
1
fee-based
Health staff
65
permanent
FONASA-enrolled population
8.042
municipal health
Rural health posts
6
Street-market stalls
100
Final works approvals
20

What it buys · Mercado PúblicoSource: ChileCompra · open data

Open profile in Monitor Mercado Público
Historic amount
$56.158.192.139
Purchase orders
44.359

Purchase-order amount · trend

$473.734.258
$2.110.999.534
20072026
Top suppliersAmountPOs
Hdi Seguros S.A.$2.167.009.53266
Pedro Alberto$1.769.278.41751
Empresa Constructora Bellolio Ltda.$1.528.601.1801
Albal SpA$1.324.319.9265
Christian Hazbún Rezúc$1.203.297.62128
Serviterra Ltda.$1.022.226.7801
G.c. Construcciones Ltda.$969.060.0611
Christian Alex Faúndez Lisboa$932.966.3813

Purchase mechanism · 2026

Tender $1.524.855.53372%
Agile Purchase $331.453.26616%
Framework Agreement $133.361.7726%
Direct award discretionary$121.328.9646%

Companies and economic activitySource: SII · company statistics and roster (domicile/HQ)

Registered companies
1.183
domiciled in the comuna
Dependent workers
2.984

Pyramid by sales bracket

63.7%
12.6%
22.8%
Micro (≤2,400 UF)754 companies
Small (≤25k UF)149 companies
Medium (≤100k UF)8 companies
Large (>100k UF)2 companies
No sales/no info270 companies

Largest companies domiciled in the comuna

CompanyLine of businessSales bracketWorkers
Comercial Superunico Santa Barbara LimitadaCOMERCIO AL POR MAYOR Y AL POR MENOR; REPARACLarge 2116
Sociedad Comercial e Inversiones Hermanos Parra Alvarez LimitadaCOMERCIO AL POR MAYOR Y AL POR MENOR; REPARACMedium 233
Ferreteria Arnoldo Arteaga y Compania LimitadaCOMERCIO AL POR MAYOR Y AL POR MENOR; REPARACMedium 233
Agricola Comercial los Junquillos SpAAGRICULTURA, GANADERIA, SILVICULTURA Y PESCAMedium 2
Farmaceutica Manantial LimitadaCOMERCIO AL POR MAYOR Y AL POR MENOR; REPARACMedium 113
Servicios Forestales Eav SpAAGRICULTURA, GANADERIA, SILVICULTURA Y PESCAMedium 113
Comercial y Agricola el Parron LimitadaAGRICULTURA, GANADERIA, SILVICULTURA Y PESCAMedium 19
Transportes Parinacota SpATRANSPORTE Y ALMACENAMIENTOMedium 1
Sondajes Visan LimitadaACTIVIDADES PROFESIONALES, CIENTIFICAS Y TECNMedium 1
Los Junquillos S.A.AGRICULTURA, GANADERIA, SILVICULTURA Y PESCASmall 3523

SII roster of legal entities (public). Due to tax secrecy sales come in brackets, never amounts. The comuna is that of the domicile/HQ: operations may be elsewhere.

TerritoryClimate, biodiversity, national heritage, SEIA-approved projects and more

Environment and air qualitySource: MMA · SINCA + PPDA + RETC

No air monitoring station (SINCA) in the comuna.

Air emissions from industrial sources · tons/year (RETC 2020)
0 t SO₂
0 t MP10
0 t MP2,5

Air quality observed at MMA's SINCA stations within the comuna (2020); when there are several, the worst is shown. The scale compares the annual average with the WHO 2021 guideline (PM2.5 = 5 · PM10 = 15 µg/m³, international health reference) and the Chilean annual primary standard (PM2.5 = 20 · PM10 = 50 µg/m³): green within the WHO guideline, amber between guideline and standard, red above the national standard. "Days above standard" use the 24-h daily standard (PM2.5 = 50 · PM10 = 150 µg/m³). RETC emissions = declared point sources (industry/energy), excludes diffuse sources like residential firewood.

Biodiversity and protected areasSource: SNASPE · SEIA baselines

State protected wilderness areas (SNASPE) in the comuna
RalcoProtected area (SNASPE)13.389 ha
Laguna del LajaProtected area (SNASPE)12.005 ha

Species of flora, fauna and funga documented in the baselines of the projects evaluated by SEIA in the comuna — what their environmental studies recorded in the territory. Conservation status (RCE/IUCN) and Chilean endemism are flagged.

210
Species
109
Flora
101
Fauna
66
In conservation status
39
Endemic to Chile
Species in conservation category
Guindo santo, ñire, ñirreEucryphia glutinosaVUSapoEupsophus roseusVUTolloDiplomystes nahuelbutaensisENBagrecitoBullockia maldonadoiENCarmelitaPercilia gillissiENHuillipatagua, naranjillo, pataguaCitronella mucronataVUQueuleGomortega keuleENCarmelita de concepciónPercilia irwiniENPerca negraPercichthys melanopsVUCauqueOdontesthes mauleanumVUPochaCheirodon pisciculusVUGruñidor del sur, lagarto de corbataPristidactylus torquatusVUPuyeBrachygalaxias bullockiVULamprea de agua dulceMordacia lapicidaENSapo de miguelEupsophus migueliENPeladillaAplochiton zebraENBagrecitoTrichomycterus chiltoniENSapoInsuetophrynus acarpicusENLagartija de schröederLiolaemus schroederiVUTolloDiplomystes camposensisENPatagua, patahuaCrinodendron pataguaVUSapo hermosoTelmatobufo venustusENPejerrey chilenoBasilichthys australisVUBelloto del norte, belloto (genérico)Beilschmiedia miersiiVURuilNothofagus alessandriiENBelloto del surBeilschmiedia berteroanaENPocha de los lagosCheirodon galusdaeVUPejerrey chilenoBasilichthys microlepidotusVUBagre grandeNematogenys inermisENCiprés de cordillera, lenAustrocedrus chilensisVULinguePersea lingueVUAraucaria, pehuén, piñonero, pino piñonero, pino chileno, pino araucaria, pewen, guiliuAraucaria araucanaENGüiñaLeopardus guignaVUCanelo, boique, voigue, fuñe, choólDrimys winteriENZorro colorado, zorro culpeo, zorro coloradode tierra del fuego, zorro culpeo de tierra del fuegoLycalopex culpaeusVUOlivillo, teque, tique, palo muerto, aceitunilloAextoxicon punctatumVUBagrecitoTrichomycterus areolatusVURanita de darwinRhinoderma darwiniiENSapoEupsophus vertebralisVUComadrejita trompudaRhyncholestes raphanurusVUGaviotín chicoSternula lorataENSapo de pecho espinoso de verrugasAlsodes verrucosusENPuyeGalaxias maculatusVUSapoRhinella rubropunctataVULamprea de bolsaGeotria australisVUAlerceFitzroya cupressoidesENPudúPudu puduVUPidencitoLaterallus jamaicensisENAguilucho de cola rojizaButeo ventralisVUSapo arrieroAlsodes nodosusNTSapito de cuatro ojosPleurodema thaulNTPumaPuma concolorNTMonito del monteDromiciops gliroidesNTRana de ceja, ranita de antifazBatrachyla taeniataNTPato cortacorrientesMerganetta armataNTPalito negro, doradillaAdiantum chilenseNTCarpintero negro, gallos del monte, rere (mapudungún)Campephilus magellanicusNTPalmilla, quilquil, arriquilquilBlechnum hastatumNTConcón, kongkong, lechuza batarazStrix rufipesNTColo-coloLeopardus colocoloNT
and 6 more

CR critically endangered · EN endangered · VU vulnerable · NT near threatened (Species Classification Regulation / IUCN). ★ endemic to Chile. Extracted from SEIA studies by kingdom; presence reflects what baselines characterized, not a census.

1 Wetlands · 1 urban · 1.271 haSource: National Wetlands Inventory · SIMBIO (MMA)

CodeWetlandHectares
HUR-08-78Ríos Biobío- Laja y Trib.urban1.271 /25.795

Area = hectares of wetland within the comuna boundary (apportioned using the DPA table of each record). For wetlands shared between comunas, "portion / total" is shown. "Urban" = urban wetland (HUR code). Official source migrated to the SBAP (Law 21,600).

Large projects approved by SEIASource: SEIA · approved projects

Projects with an environmental permit (RCA) approved by SEIA and declared investment above US$ 10 million, located in the comuna according to the case file and grouped by sector. Every sector with at least one project is listed: this is not a ranking or a selection. 9 projects totaling US$ 743 million, approved between 1996 and 2017. When a project spans several comunas, its investment is split among them.

Energy8 projects · US$ 493 M · 1996–2017
Enel Generación Chile S.A.Central Hidroeléctrica Ralco · Central Hidroeléctrica Rucalhue
Hydraulic Infrastructure1 project · US$ 250 M · 2009
Colbún S.A.Proyecto Central Hidroeléctrica Angostura PCH-Angostura

Approved is not the same as built or operating: the RCA authorises the project, but some were never carried out and others have since closed.

Source: projects with an RCA approved by SEIA (investment declared by the developer, split among the comunas the project spans). Under each sector are its two largest projects by investment. It is the best public proxy for large industrial sites; SERNAGEOMIN’s registry of active mining operations (by mineral and type of operation) is a layer not yet incorporated.

Basic utilitiesSource: SISS · CNE · MINEDUC

Distribuidora eléctrica
Frontel · also Coopelan
Empresa sanitaria (agua y alcantarillado)
ESSBIO
Higher education
No campus · nearest in Los Angeles at 54.9 km

Almost no comuna has its own utility: it is served by a major regional concession holder. Water = urban operational territory (SISS; rural goes via APR); electric = concession distributor per the tariff decree (CNE); higher education = university, IP and CFT campuses (MINEDUC/SIES), with the nearest comuna when there are none.

Green areasSource: SINIM · SUBDERE (2025)

Green space per capita
4 m²
40% of the CNDU standard
standard 10 m²

Municipally maintained green area per inhabitant (SINIM). The National Urban Development Council recommends a minimum of 10 m²/inhab (WHO, ~9). Self-reported by municipalities, with quality varying across comunas.

Territorial burdensSource: SUBDERE (waste, Jun 2023) · Gendarmería (Jun 2025) · SISS (WWTP)

Infrastructure this comuna carries — often serving others.

FacilityTypeDetail
PTAS - SANTA BARBARAPTAS · lodos activadosESSBIO S.A. · discharges into río bío bío
Where this comuna's waste goes
Relleno Sanitario Los Ángeles (Los Ángeles) · 4.135 t/year

Official registries: they exclude illegal dumps and rural WWTPs (no consolidated public registry).

Forest firesSource: CONAF · Occurrence and damage statistics (2023-2024)

Wildfires · 2023-2024
12
Area affected
2.236 ha
mostly forest
Cumulative last 5 seasons
3.837 ha
includes the 2022-2023 mega-season

Occurrence and area affected by wildfires (CONAF). The 5-season cumulative gives a fairer picture than a single year: fire is episodic and big catastrophes concentrate in few seasons. The area is comuna-wide, not just urban.

Winter riskSource: SENAPRED · winter critical points 2026 (via FAU U. de Chile)

Critical points registered
81
At high or very high risk
27
7 very high
Main threat
Inundación por desborde de c…
Inundación por desborde de cauce

Points in the comuna where SENAPRED identifies winter-rain risk (channel overflows, flooding, collector collapse, landslides, mudflows, snow), with risk level and the agency responsible for the fix.

Climate and climate changeSource: ARClim · MMA + CR2/UC (CMIP6 modeling)

Mean annual temperature
10,61°C
2035-2065 projection: +1,32°C
Annual precipitation
2.008 mm
projection: -1%
Hot days>30°C
5
projection: +9 days
Frost days
54

Modeled climatology (CMIP6 downscaling ~5 km): present ≈ 1980-2010, projection ≈ 2035-2065 middle scenario. Not recent weather observation.

SafetyCrime, road crashes and municipal security infrastructure

Crimes (police cases)Source: CEAD · Ministry of Public Security

Police cases · 2025
1.093
all crimes
Rate per 100,000 inhab.
7.450
Police cases · trend
1.064
1.093
20102025
By crime type · 2025
CrimeCasesRate/100k
Alcohol and drug use in public spaces3592.447
Domestic violence119811
Threats92627
Property damage84573
Minor injuries76518
Larceny62423
Weapons-related crimes54368
Burglary of an uninhabited place46314
Burglary of an inhabited place36245
Crimes and offenses under the arms law33225
Carrying a bladed or pointed weapon21143
Drug-related crimes15102

Showing the 12 crimes with most cases of 27.

Police cases (reports + arrests) recorded by Carabineros and PDI. Not victimization (ENUSC measures the real figure, higher due to underreporting). The rate uses INE 2024 population. Source: CEAD, Ministry of Public Security.

What the municipality does

Municipal security infrastructure and staff declared to SINIM (since 2016). Excludes Carabineros and PDI, which are national.

Surveillance cameras
12
Guards and inspectors
0
1 per 14.671 hab
Patrol fleet
2
cars, pickups, motorcycles, bikes
Patrol fleet by type
Cars: 1Pickups: 1
Surveillance cameras · trend
2
12
20202025

Road crashesSource: CONASET · Data Observatory (2024)

Crashes · 2024
65
Deaths
3
20,4 per 100,000 inhab.
Injured
49
6 serious
Pedestrian collisions
6

Crashes georeferenced by CONASET (urban + highway) during 2024. The only per-comuna source; covers ~70% of the country's deaths (non-geolocatable ones are excluded), so it slightly underestimates the total. Pedestrian collision is the leading cause of pedestrian death.