My Life, My City: Lola Ortiz Sanchez, Madrid

Cities Today talks to Lola Ortiz Sanchez, General Director, Planning and Mobility Infrastructure, City of Madrid, Spain.

What was your first job? 

My first job was as an engineer in a consulting firm where I made structural calculations for infrastructures such as roads, large highways and new high-speed lines.

What attracted you to your current role?

The possibility to plan and manage the mobility and infrastructure of Madrid is a great challenge – Madrid is the second most populated functional urban area in the European Union with 3.3 million inhabitants. When I was offered my current position I couldn’t say no. For many years I had managed projects related to the world of civil works and infrastructure, and just thinking about the possibility of being able to do my bit to achieve a more efficient and sustainable city is very gratifying.

What is your favourite part of the job?

The satisfaction of well-thought-out plans and when you see that what Madrid implements is well received by the citizens. It is very enriching to meet different people who work for the city, and it is also satisfying to be part of networks of international cities that allow learning.

What has been your biggest success in this role?

There is not just one, but the sum of all the small steps we are taking. For example, we presented the Madrid 360 Environmental Sustainability Strategy in September 2019, which is the most ambitious strategy that the city of Madrid has ever attempted. In only three years, we have managed to approve the Ordinance on Sustainable Mobility (September 2021) and the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan which has just been approved (July 2022).

Additionally, we have launched several major projects that will transform the city, such as the “Paseo Verde del Suroeste” which puts the A-5 highway underground – it includes a 3.5 km long tunnel and 80,000 m2 of new green areas – and the “Madrid Nuevo Norte” project which is a new urban development planned in the northern part of the capital that will be a benchmark in modernity, accessibility and sustainability.

What has been your biggest setback?

Being disappointed with people, because of the interaction with them or because of the surprise that they can fail you. However, I am a positive person and I prefer to leave the past in the past and continue building a future for my family and for the citizens.

What are you working on right now that you’re excited about?

Right now we have several actions in the city that consist of giving life to neighbourhoods and making pedestrians, cyclists and the most vulnerable users feel safer. Likewise, we are working to improve transport infrastructure to allow for better mobility, especially in public transport. I am very passionate about the future underground location of a motorway in the southwest of Madrid that will allow the creation of new areas for residents to enjoy.

If you could wave a magic wand, what one thing would you fix in your city?

Perhaps I would give Madrid more green areas and space for citizens to enjoy. It would also give more commercial speed to public transport.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading about the latest manifesto of the Metropolis network of cities, as well as international digital newspapers on the economy, urban planning and other actions that are taking place in Europe and in the rest of the world. I also like to read press articles on the world’s geopolitical reality and social analysis.

Who has most inspired you in the work that you do?

On the one hand, my bosses, who are very committed to the city and motivate us so that we all row in the same direction. On the other hand, I am inspired by my walks around the city and my trips on public transport, which give me a real knowledge of the city.

If you weren’t doing this job, what do you think you might be doing?

I would probably be working in a private company focused on engineering and urban planning or the creation of new sustainable infrastructure. Nor would I mind having a job representing Madrid and Spain abroad.

What’s your favourite place in your city and why?

El Retiro park for its history, peace and calm in the heart of the city.

What’s one thing people might not ordinarily know about you?

I am passionate about the culture of different people.

• Time in role: Three years
• Brief career history: Previously worked as General Director in the Andalusian Ministry of Development, Infrastructure and Planning and was Deputy Director General of Urban Development in Spain’s Ministry of Finance. Vice President of the Spanish Road Association since 2019.