# Bogotá tax reform and urban development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bogot-tax-reform-and-urban-development
> Updated: 2026-09-29T16:20:33.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

The Bogotá City Council has approved a tax reform package designed to transform the capital into a smart city. Key components of the reform include modifications to the Industry and Commerce Tax (ICA) and the introduction of a public lighting charge to fund modernization efforts. 

Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán stated that the ICA adjustments will benefit 83% of businesses and 89% of industries through reductions. Specifically, the administration noted decreases of 3.4% for neighborhood food stores, 13% for hotels and restaurants, and 20% for bars, while small businesses are reportedly exempt from tax increases. 

However, the reform has drawn criticism from opponents who argue that the new public lighting charge and ICA adjustments impose new fiscal burdens on industries, commercial properties, and residents in strata 4, 5, and 6. Critics have suggested these measures may discourage investment and contradict previous campaign promises to avoid new taxes.

As part of the ‘Agreement for an Intelligent City’ project, the Mayor also proposed a relief measure to help citizens regularize outstanding debts incurred through 2024. This proposal offers a 60% discount on interests and penalties for debts related to property tax, vehicle tax, ICA tax, urban alignment, and traffic fines. Under this scheme, debtors would pay the full principal plus 40% of accumulated interests or sanctions. The administration projects the broader tax reform could generate 1.2 trillion pesos in annual revenue beginning in 2027.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Bogotá Council approves tax reform and public lighting charges

The Bogotá Council approved a tax reform involving ICA adjustments and new public lighting charges, sparking debate between administration claims of business incentives and critic warnings of new fiscal burdens

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bogot-council-approves-tax-reform-and-public-lighting-charges

### 2026-09-24: Bogotá proposes 60% discount on tax and fine interests

Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán proposed a 60% discount on interests and penalties for outstanding taxes and traffic fines, pending City Council approval.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bogot-proposes-60-discount-on-tax-and-fine-interests

### 2026-09-23: Bogotá City Council approves tax reforms and urban infrastructure updates

Bogotá's City Council approved major tax reforms, including a public lighting surcharge, while urban projects face mixed results: the Avenida 68 corridor advances, but the Metro project reports delays.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bogot-administration-seeks-urgent-approval-for-smart-city-project

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Cite as: Bogotá tax reform and urban development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bogot-tax-reform-and-urban-development