Mexico City, September 11, 2026 – The Mexico City Congress successfully concluded its extensive series of forums titled “Reform to the Citizen Participation Law of Mexico City” this Friday in the Cuajimalpa Borough. These forums, organized across all 16 boroughs of the capital, aimed to gather experiences, opinions, and proposals from members of the Community Participation Commissions (COPACOS) and residents to enhance the existing legal framework.
Extensive Participation Across All Boroughs
The forums were spearheaded by Deputy Ángel Augusto Tamariz Sánchez, President of the Commission for Democratic and Citizen Participation, alongside legislators from various parliamentary groups, representatives from diverse organizations, and borough authorities. The initiative saw the participation of over 3,000 attendees throughout its duration.
The series commenced in May in the Álvaro Obregón and La Magdalena Contreras boroughs. Initially slated to conclude in August, the forums were temporarily postponed due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted in the capital, which was expected to draw significant public attention. They resumed on July 24 and concluded on September 11.
Key Discussions and Citizen Input in Cuajimalpa
At the Teatro Morelos in Cuajimalpa, residents shared their concerns and contributions with Deputies Ángel Tamariz, Brenda Fabiola Ruiz Aguilar, and Jannete Elizabeth Guerrero Maya, focusing on improvements to the Citizen Participation Law.
Deputy Tamariz Sánchez emphasized that these dialogue spaces with citizens are crucial for updating the legislation. He noted that despite being one of the most advanced laws of its kind in the Americas, it requires adjustments. “Over the last few years, citizens themselves have expressed that it is worthwhile to adjust some things; to update this law. That is why we held these forums,” Tamariz Sánchez stated. He underscored the importance of public participation in strengthening this instrument, adding, “The experience of citizens and COPACOS is very useful for what we are building and drafting to improve the Citizen Participation Law.”
Deputy Brenda Ruiz acknowledged the participants for their engagement, highlighting their interest in improving their communities and strengthening laws for the benefit of all. She affirmed that the Citizen Participation Law must adapt to the capital’s evolving circumstances, which necessitates continuous listening to the public.
Deputy Jannete Guerrero stressed the significance of Cuajimalpa residents openly expressing their daily realities in neighborhoods, communities, towns, and indigenous barrios. She assured that their opinions are being meticulously collected to construct and reinforce the capital’s Citizen Participation Law.
Institutional Support and Expert Contributions
The forums saw the involvement of representatives from key government bodies, including the General Comptroller’s Office; the Secretariat of Citizen Attention and Participation; the Secretariat of Administration and Finance; the Electoral Institute of Mexico City (IECM); the Public Defender’s Office for Citizen Participation and Democratic Processes of the capital’s Electoral Tribunal; and the Superior Audit Office of Mexico City (ASCM).
These officials provided detailed explanations of the process for selecting Participatory Budget projects aimed at improving housing units, neighborhoods, towns, indigenous barrios, and communities. They clarified that selected projects should not include works that fall under the direct purview of the boroughs, as these are part of their inherent faculties. Citizens were also informed about available free advice and support from these institutions.
Addressing Challenges and Proposing Solutions
Throughout the 16 forums, residents addressed various issues related to citizen participation, particularly concerning the election and execution of Participatory Budget projects. Common problems cited included inflated project quotations and malpractice by suppliers.
Key proposals and requests from citizens included:
- Strengthening the powers of COPACOS.
- Consolidating the open parliament model.
- Incorporating technological and digital tools.
- Expediting mechanisms for societal participation, such as citizen initiatives and recall elections.
- Promoting greater transparency and oversight of the Participatory Budget.
- Enhancing citizen participation.
- Encouraging greater presence of authorities.
- Increasing resources for citizen-selected projects.
- Prioritizing community needs.
- Providing training workshops for COPACOS members.
The conclusion of these forums marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to refine and strengthen citizen participation mechanisms in Mexico City, ensuring that the legislative framework remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of its diverse population.
