Yokneam Mayor Outlines Ambitious Growth and Innovation Plans Amid Nvidia Campus Move to Nearby Kiryat Tivon

Yokneam Illit Mayor Roman Peres responded to Nvidia's decision to establish a large campus in neighboring Kiryat Tivon by emphasizing regional cooperation rather than viewing it as a loss for his city. He highlighted that the proximity of the two municipalities blurs traditional boundaries and expects many future employees of the Nvidia campus to live in Yokneam, especially given the city's plans for significant housing expansion.

Peres revealed plans for over 14,000 new housing units in Yokneam, which currently has about 28,500 residents. He assured that the city would maintain its green character, preserving a 60-40 ratio between open green spaces and residential areas, with most new construction being mid-rise buildings of eight to ten floors. The mayor stressed that Yokneam would not transform into a dense urban center like Petah Tikva or the Tel Aviv metropolitan area but would continue to develop as a young city with a large proportion of residents under 40.

In addition to new neighborhoods, the city plans urban renewal projects with 835 housing units reserved to improve economic feasibility. Peres also discussed transportation improvements, including a new electric bus terminal planned for 2027 and road expansions to accommodate increased traffic from the Nvidia campus. Looking further ahead, he envisions integrating drone landing pads in new neighborhoods and preparing for autonomous vehicles to reduce congestion.

Addressing current local issues, Peres described efforts to combat persistent fly infestations around underground trash bins by temporarily replacing them with regular bins and applying pest control measures. He also defended the city's financial management, acknowledging a 103 million shekel cash flow deficit inherited from previous administrations but emphasizing ongoing efforts to balance the budget and increase efficiency.

Peres refuted claims of budget cuts in sports, presenting data showing increased spending from 2.4 million shekels in 2021 to nearly 6.8 million in 2025. He also discussed stalled projects like the performing arts center, citing funding shortfalls and prioritizing education and public institutions. On retail competition, he noted ongoing talks with supermarket chains, including Rami Levy, to expand options for residents.

Finally, Peres stressed that Yokneam's success compared to other northern municipalities stems from effective management and decision-making. His vision for 2040 includes comprehensive education programs, expanded high-tech parks, new hospitality venues, and advanced transportation infrastructure. He concluded that his leadership will be judged on education, urban renewal, and the housing plan, focusing on sustainable growth without sacrificing the city's unique qualities.