Mexico's Oaxaca pushes gender‑focused public procurement reform; municipalities launch inclusive smart‑city grants

In Oaxaca state, deputy Irma Pineda Santiago of the Party of Labor introduced a decree amendment to the state procurement law that would require public contracts to give priority to women‑led micro, small and medium enterprises, cooperatives and social‑economy organisations. The proposal creates a dedicated supplier registry, favours direct purchases from local producers and seeks to use public spending as a lever for inclusive economic development, citing support from UN Women, the World Bank and the International Labour Organization.

Separately, the CRUSA foundation, in partnership with Portafolio Inmobiliario and the Yamuni Tabush Foundation, announced two grant programmes for 84 municipalities and seven district councils. The "Smart Communities Challenge" will provide up to US$370,000 in non‑repayable funds and technical assistance for projects in human talent, entrepreneurship, climate action and technology. The "Sustainable Inclusive Bus Stops Fund" offers up to US$10,000 to improve bus‑stop accessibility for older adults, people with disabilities, women and students, aiming to enhance participation, autonomy and the right to the city.