Eduardo Paes

Brazilian mayor who transformed Rio de Janeiro into a model for urban sustainability and social inclusion

Eduardo Paes (born 1970) served as Mayor of Rio de Janeiro from 2009 to 2016, implementing groundbreaking policies that redefined urban governance in Brazil. A Harvard-educated economist, he prioritized equitable development through innovative projects like the Parque Carioca initiative, which transformed 100 degraded urban areas into green spaces. His administration invested heavily in public transport, creating the TransCarioca Bus Rapid Transit system that now serves over 800,000 daily commuters.

Paes pioneered participatory budgeting processes that allocated 20% of the city's infrastructure budget through citizen voting. This approach empowered marginalized communities to directly influence projects like the revitalization of the Port region, which included affordable housing and cultural centers. His leadership during the 2016 Olympics focused on leaving lasting social infrastructure rather than grandiose venues, resulting in new schools, healthcare facilities, and the Deodoro Olympic Park that now hosts community programs.

He established Rio's first municipal climate change plan, reducing carbon emissions by 25% through renewable energy projects and waste management reforms. The city's Rio Cidade Sustentável program became a model for Latin American cities, emphasizing green building codes and energy efficiency. Post-mayoralty, Paes became chair of the Urban Land Institute, continuing his advocacy for equitable urban development globally.

His legacy includes reducing homicide rates by 40% through community policing strategies and expanding access to quality education in favelas. The Estação Carioca digital literacy program he launched has trained over 150,000 low-income residents. TIME magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2016 for his transformative urban policies that balanced economic growth with social equity.