Valle de México expansion prompts call for self-sufficient cities

Following the expansion of the Valle de México Metropolitan Zone (ZMVM) from 56 to 84 municipalities, the Unión Industrial del Estado de México (UNIDEM) has proposed a new urban growth model. The proposal suggests creating between eight and ten self-sufficient cities to better manage the region, which now concentrates approximately 22.7 million inhabitants across Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Hidalgo, and Morelos.

Francisco Cuevas Dobarganes, director general of UNIDEM, emphasized that long-term planning is necessary to reduce commuting times, pollution, and transportation costs. He noted that previous disorganized growth and a lack of coordination between municipalities led to systemic issues in mobility, security, water supply, drainage, and environmental management. The expansion, approved by the Metropolitan Development Council, aims to integrate the 16 boroughs of Mexico City, 59 municipalities in the State of Mexico, eight in Hidalgo, and one in Morelos into a more cohesive framework.