Belize City

Coastal Transformation

Standing at the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity

Settled on the Caribbean coast, Belize City is the largest city in Belize, serving as the country’s commercial heart and historical epicenter. With its deep colonial roots and strategic location, the city stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Mayor Bernard Wagner, who has served three consecutive terms since 2018, guides its evolution. “Belize City carries a rich colonial legacy and has evolved into the financial and commercial hub of the country,” Mayor Wagner reflects.

Initially a logging center during British colonial rule, Belize City’s growth was centered around the lucrative logwood trade. “The city also served as a focal point for transatlantic trade and has some measure of African heritage that continues to influence our culture and community,”  Mayor Wagner shares. Despite Belize City’s initial role as the nation’s capital, the devastation brought by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 forced the capital to relocate to Belmopan, 52 miles inland.

The Commercial Capital

Today, while Belmopan is the capital, Belize City remains the country’s commercial nucleus. It hosts the Central Bank of Belize and numerous other financial institutions. “Belize City still has a great historical significance,” Mayor Wagner notes. “It is where you’ll find the oldest cathedral in the region, St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, a testament to our colonial past.” The city’s colonial architecture, visible in many buildings and landmarks, is integral to its identity.

Uniquely positioned as the only English-speaking country on the mainland of Central America, Belize connects both the Caribbean and Central American regions. Mayor Wagner highlights this strategic importance: “We are a bridge between the Caribbean and Central America, with borders connecting us to Mexico and Guatemala. This offers us vast trade, tourism, and international cooperation opportunities.”

Economic Engines

Belize City’s economy thrives on diverse industries, from finance to tourism and, increasingly, business processing operations (BPOs). “The city is the main financial center, and we’ve seen a surge in BPO activities because of our English-speaking workforce,” Mayor Wagner explains. This growth has created jobs and fostered economic dynamism as Belizeans offer their language skills to global companies.

In addition, through initiatives such as the Belize City Council’s Downtown Super Sales, Community Festivals and the Belize City Accelerator Program, the council supports economic growth and fosters an inclusive, resilient economy. “By supporting local businesses, attracting tourism, and providing growth opportunities for entrepreneurs, we strengthen Belize City’s economy,” says Wagner.

Tourism remains another pillar of the city’s economy, especially with cruise ships regularly docking off its shores. “Tourists are brought to shore by tender boats, and from there, they have access to our rich offerings, including our rainforest, jungle trekking, Maya ruins, cave tubing adventures, and the Belize Zoo,” Mayor Wagner elaborates. “With over 400 cayes in the country and the largest barrier reef in this hemisphere, popular spots like San Pedro and Caye Caulker are just a short boat or air trip away.” These islands, known for their natural beauty and marine life, provide activities such as shark diving and exploration of protected conservation areas.

Business Tourism Growth

Belize City has initiated several major infrastructure projects to support its growing economy. “We have four key projects underway,” says Mayor Wagner. Among them is a new convention center, being spearheaded by private sector interests, aimed at hosting large-scale events. “We’ve been lacking facilities to host major conventions, so this project is a priority for the Ministry of Tourism and investors.” Mayor Wagner sees the convention center as an essential step toward boosting business tourism and positioning the city as a destination for international events.

In addition, an urban development project focuses on enhancing drainage systems and improving the city’s urban planning. “We want to ensure that our urban planning is sustainable, especially as we grow,” Mayor Wagner emphasizes. Another critical project is an upgraded water and sewage system, which ensures efficient water supply and wastewater treatment while improving public health and safety for Belize City’s residents.

The coastal zone management project is perhaps the most urgent, given Belize City’s vulnerability to climate change. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion pose significant threats, but the city is taking proactive steps. “Belize City faces significant challenges from climate change, so we are implementing nature-based solutions to protect our coastlines,” Mayor Wagner explains. These efforts, funded partly by international partners, focus on sustainable measures to ensure long-term resilience against environmental changes. 

North vs. South

Belize City’s residential development is expanding to accommodate its growing population and workforce. “The city’s north side features more modern architecture, while the South side is still largely developing, but retains its colonial influences.” This duality presents both opportunities and challenges for the city’s leadership.

The mixed expansion of both residential and commercial areas is especially prominent on the North side, where new housing projects cater to the city’s professionals and growing middle class. The South side remains a focal point for urban development initiatives. “We are seeing significant transformation, particularly in the Holy Emmanuel area, where the Ministry of Natural Resources is allocating more space for residential construction,” Mayor Wagner notes. The aim is to create a more cohesive urban environment that offers equal opportunities and amenities across both sides of the city.

Wagner’s vision includes enhancing the South side’s infrastructure to align it more closely with the North. “The South side is on the brink of major growth. We’re working to create a livable, sustainable environment there, with parks, playgrounds, and better public facilities,” he says.

Bridging Education and Workforce

Education and workforce development are critical to Belize City’s growth. Although these areas fall under the Ministry of Education’s jurisdiction, the Belize City Council plays a significant supporting role. “We collaborate with the Ministry to provide after-school centers across the city,” Mayor Wagner explains. These centers offer tutoring and academic support for students whose parents work late hours, filling a critical need in the community.

Belize City’s focus extends beyond traditional academics, recognizing the importance of vocational training. “Not every student is inclined toward conventional academics, so we want to provide options for skill development,” Mayor Wagner says. A major step in this direction has been the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology’s establishment of the city’s new Itz’at STEAM Academy, which provides courses in engineering, welding, construction, media production, and the arts. “The institute is expanding opportunities for students who want to pursue practical skills and contribute to the city’s growing economy.”

Protecting the Coastline

Belize City’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its ambitious environmental projects. “We recently launched an e-mobility project in collaboration with the European Union, UNDP, the Department of Transport, and the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-Governance,” Mayor Wagner shares. This initiative aims to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by replacing old, polluting buses with eco-friendly electric buses. “It’s a transformative step that improves air quality, reduces congestion, and contributes to our national goal of lowering emissions,” Mayor Wagner explains.

Additionally, the city is addressing coastal erosion, a critical issue for its coastal communities. “With a feasibility study grant from the Dutch government, we plan to execute the necessary studies to develop a floating boardwalk along the Southern Foreshore area,” Mayor Wagner reveals. This innovative solution will not only act as a barrier against erosion but also provide a space for local economic development and recreational activities. “We want to establish a vibrant area that supports small businesses while protecting our coastline.”

The floating boardwalk is a nature-based solution chosen for its minimal environmental impact. “Unlike traditional methods that disrupt the environment, this technology allows us to protect our coast without driving piles into the seabed,” Mayor Wagner emphasizes. This project aligns with Belize City’s broader environmental strategy, focusing on sustainable, community-centered development.

Becoming a Global Destination

Belize City’s future is bright, with several large-scale projects and developments on the horizon. Belize Airport Concession Company Ltd is expanding the airport to meet the increased number of foreign flights, which include recent additions from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. “The Minister of Tourism is  working on securing even more international connections, which will boost tourism and trade,” Mayor Wagner shares.

The city’s waterfront development strategy includes a new tourism festival and river tours along the Belize River. “We want to transform our waterfront into a vibrant center for leisure and tourism, integrating it with our colonial history and modern attractions,” Mayor Wagner envisions.

New infrastructure is also set to transform the heart of Downtown Belize City. The city’s Swing Bridge, now over 100 years old, has aged significantly and shows major signs of deterioration. To accommodate the increasing vehicular demand and improve safety, the Government of Belize, with the assistance of a Japanese grant, plans to construct a modern replacement bridge.

A significant revitalization effort is also underway at the Fort George Hotel & Spa, a landmark establishment transformed into a modern facility. “We hope the cruise ship berthing facility remains in Belize City to support local businesses and maintain our status as the commercial capital,” Mayor Wagner adds.

Belize City’s vision for growth is rooted in its commitment to sustainability, economic development, and cultural preservation. “We are a developing city with immense potential,” Mayor Wagner concludes. “Our people are our greatest asset, and we are building a city that embraces our past and tomorrow’s opportunities.”

AT A GLANCE

Belize City

What: The central commercial and cultural hub of Belize, known for its vibrant local markets and colonial architecture, and as a gateway to the country’s natural and marine attractions.

Where: The largest city in Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America.