Mexico City, December 12, 2025 – The plenary of the Mexico City Congress has approved a reform to the third paragraph of Article 7 of the Organic Law of the Institute of Democratic Planning and Foresight (IPDP) of Mexico City. This reform specifically addresses the substitution of the Head of Government in the Institute’s Governing Board.
Redefining Competence: Shift to Planning Secretariat
The reform redefines the competence of the Head of Government’s substitute in the IPDP Governing Board. Previously, the law stipulated that this substitution fell to the Government Secretariat. However, with the creation of the Secretariat of Planning, Territorial Planning and Metropolitan Coordination (METRÓPOLIS) in October 2024, there has been a redefinition of responsibilities in urban planning and territorial ordering within the Executive branch.
Legislator Elizabeth Mateos Hernández (MORENA), speaking on behalf of the United Commissions of Local Public Administration and Development Planning, explained the rationale behind the reform. She highlighted that the new METRÓPOLIS Secretariat, in accordance with Article 31 of the Organic Law of the Executive Power, is directly responsible for formulating, coordinating, and evaluating urban planning policies and programs. This includes leading modifications to the General Urban Development Program and coordinating the integration of various territorial and sectoral programs.
Coherence and Continuity in Planning
Mateos Hernández emphasized that the IPDP Governing Board, as per Article 8 of its Organic Law, is tasked with approving the General Plan, the General Program, and the Technical Guidelines for the city’s planning. Both the IPDP and the METRÓPOLIS Secretariat share the common objective of technically guiding the development and territorial planning of the city.
“Transferring the substitution to the head of the Planning Secretariat ensures institutional coherence, technical continuity, and administrative effectiveness in the Institute’s work,” stated Mateos Hernández.
She further recalled that in August 2025, the Congress reformed the composition of the Governing Board to formally incorporate the Planning Secretariat. This prior amendment reinforces the logical conclusion that this dependency should now substitute the Head of Government when necessary. Additionally, Article 17 of the Planning System Law mandates that members of the Governing Board must designate substitutes of the same hierarchical rank, a requirement fully met by this reform.
This legislative change aims to streamline decision-making processes and ensure that the most relevant authority in urban and territorial planning is represented at the highest levels of the IPDP’s governance.
The reform is expected to enhance the efficiency and coordination of urban development initiatives across Mexico City, ensuring that planning efforts are cohesive and responsive to the city’s evolving needs.
Source: https://www.congresocdmx.gob.mx/comsoc-reforman-ley-organica-ipdp-cdmx-6934-1.html
