Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
15 comments 
With Record Highs In Oil Royalties, Maricá Stands Out For Offering Basic Income To Thousands Of Residents, Free Public Transport And Innovative Solutions In Public Management — An Example Of How A Municipality That Got Rich With Royalties Can Transform Realities
Maricá, a municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is an emblematic example of economic and social transformation in Brazil. Recognized for becoming the municipality that got rich with oil royalties, Maricá not only expanded its revenues but also invested these resources in innovative public policies that attract national and international attention.
Among the most notable initiatives are the implementation of Maricá’s basic income, the provision of free mobility, and the development of pioneering social programs that reflect a sustainable and inclusive model of public management. Today we will explore how Maricá reached this level, the impacts of these policies, and what the future holds for this municipality that has become a reference in social innovation in Brazil.
Maricá: The Municipality That Got Rich With Oil Royalties
The wealth of Maricá is directly linked to oil exploration in the Campos Basin, one of the largest producing regions in Brazil.
-
The Argentine government celebrates the lowest poverty rate in 7 years, but experts warn that the methodology has changed, real wages have fallen, unemployment has risen, and the number of people on the streets of Buenos Aires has increased by 57% since Milei took office.
-
7.8 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia frightens the population, triggers tsunami alert, and hits an island with over 200,000 inhabitants this Thursday.
-
Google will finally let you change that embarrassing Gmail address you created in your teenage years without losing any accounts, logins, or old emails: the feature is already available in the United States.
-
Heading to Brazil in a Bonanza F33 single-engine aircraft: a couple departs from Florida on a visual flight, makes technical stops in the Caribbean to refuel and organize paperwork, and begins the staged crossing until they reach the country.
In 2017, Maricá was the municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro that received the most oil royalties, with an amount of approximately R$ 746.8 million.
According to official data from the city hall and updated research, by 2025 the city is expected to exceed R$ 1.6 billion in resources from these royalties, establishing itself as one of the most benefited locations by the oil sector in the country.
These financial resources provided the municipal administration with a considerable margin to invest in public policies that go beyond the basics, creating a foundation for social and economic development.
The intelligent allocation of these resources is what sets Maricá apart from other Brazilian municipalities that also receive royalties but fail to translate this into tangible improvements for the population.
Maricá Basic Income: Pioneering And Social Impact
One of Maricá’s most innovative initiatives is its Maricá basic income, which stands out as the largest direct income transfer program in Latin America.
Created to guarantee a minimum of economic dignity for its residents, the program currently benefits approximately 93,000 people, representing nearly half of the total population of the municipality, estimated at around 197,000 inhabitants.
The basic income consists of a direct monthly payment to citizens, funded by oil royalties, injecting around R$ 8.4 million per month into the local economy. This initiative generates positive effects on the economy, health, and education, in addition to contributing to the reduction of poverty and social inequality.
According to the official website of the Maricá city hall, Maricá basic income helps stimulate local commerce and promotes greater financial autonomy for low-income families, becoming a model that has drawn the interest of other cities and even countries seeking alternatives for social inclusion policies.
Free Mobility: A Revolution In Public Transport
Since 2014, Maricá has implemented zero fare in municipal public transport, offering free buses to the population. This initiative makes Maricá the first Brazilian city with more than 100,000 inhabitants to adopt free mobility as a permanent public policy.
The free public transport has significant impacts on the lives of residents, facilitating access to work, education, and basic services. In addition, the measure contributes to reducing the use of private vehicles, helping to decrease pollution and improving the quality of life in the municipality.
Reports and studies published confirm that free mobility in Maricá has increased demand for public transport, encouraging social integration and promoting greater urban mobility, at no additional cost to the population.
Other Innovative Public Policies In The Region
In addition to basic income and free mobility, Maricá has been developing a series of innovative public policies that reinforce its prominent role on the national scene:
- Free Bicycles: To promote sustainable mobility and leisure, the city offers free public bicycles, facilitating alternative and healthy transportation for its residents.
- Sovereign Fund: Maricá invests part of the royalties in a sovereign fund aimed at ensuring long-term financial sustainability, protecting the city against possible fluctuations in oil revenues.
- Interest-Free Microcredit: The municipality supports small entrepreneurs with facilitated interest-free credit lines, fostering local economic development and job creation.
- Popular Housing: Specific programs ensure decent housing for low-income families, contributing to reducing the housing deficit and improving urban conditions.
These initiatives reinforce the municipal administration’s commitment to promoting a comprehensive and sustainable public policy that goes beyond simple financial transfers, focusing on collective well-being.
Advances And Future Challenges
The results of these innovative policies can already be observed in social and economic indicators in Maricá. The city shows significant improvements in quality of life, reduction of inequality, and greater social inclusion.
The constant injection of resources via royalties and their efficient application in social programs have created a virtuous cycle that stimulates local development.
However, the municipality also faces challenges in maintaining this sustainability, especially given the volatility of oil prices and the need to diversify its economy to ensure continued public investments.
The creation of policies that stimulate sectors such as tourism, technology, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurship is essential to ensure that Maricá maintains its prominent position and continues to offer free and quality services to its population.
What Maricá Teaches Us About Public Management With Purpose
Maricá is a clear example of how public management can transform the wealth derived from natural resources into innovative and efficient social policies.
The municipality that got rich with oil royalties invested these resources in an ambitious network of programs that includes Maricá basic income, free mobility, and numerous other pioneering initiatives.
This model has a direct impact on the lives of residents, promotes social inclusion, and serves as a reference for other Brazilian cities that seek ways to improve the quality of life of their population.
The experience of Maricá demonstrates that the strategic and transparent use of royalties can be a powerful tool for sustainable development and social justice.
Thus, keeping track of Maricá’s progress is essential for managers, researchers, and citizens interested in innovative public policies and real solutions to Brazil’s social challenges.
Esse prefeito Quaquá é um ****, mancha o PT, ele tinha que ir para o PL, lá que é o lugar dessa gente.
Suécia brasileira, é muita mentira, pergunta aos moradores da periferia se procede.
Nem uma palavra sobre educação!!!
Saneamento???
Ônibus demoram mais de uma hora para passar.
Moradores acomodados com as bolsas não trabalham e bem estudam.
Muito longe da Suécia.