Oaxaca State Congress Advances Multiple Municipal Reform Bills

Deputy Irma Pineda Santiago of the Labor Party introduced a decree amendment to require state public‑procurement agencies to give priority to women‑led micro, small and medium enterprises, cooperatives and social‑economy entities. The proposal adds a specific register for these suppliers and mandates direct purchases from local producers, aiming to use public spending as a tool for gender equity and inclusive economic development in Oaxaca.

Deputy Nicolás Enrique Feria Romero (Morena) presented a decree to cut the deadline for drafting, approving and publishing municipal development plans from six to five months. The bill also insists that the plans incorporate gender equality, non‑discrimination, human‑rights and cultural‑participation criteria for indigenous and Afro‑Mexican communities.

Deputy Humberto Prieto Herrera filed a separate initiative to digitalise municipal administrations, modernise internal processes and improve sustainability. The proposal calls for new IT equipment and specialised staff but does not specify additional state funding, raising concerns about its financial feasibility.

All three measures were submitted during the Oaxaca state legislature’s ordinary sessions and have been sent to the respective permanent commissions for study.