Mexico City metropolitan land use planning

In the Mexico City metropolitan area, officials have endorsed an urgent update to the Metropolitan Land Use Program for the Valley of Mexico (POZMVM), which has not been revised since 1998. The new proposal aims to coordinate regional development through 2050 across Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Hidalgo, and Morelos.

Proponents of the update, including the Morena parliamentary group and Secretary Enrique Irazoque Palazuelos, describe the initiative as a matter of “territorial justice” intended to reduce inequality by improving access to infrastructure, services, and housing. The metropolitan region is a major economic driver, accounting for 28 percent of Mexico’s GDP.

To address concerns regarding private property and taxation, officials clarified that the program serves as a policy guide rather than a mandate that automatically violates property rights or increases taxes, as individual state governments retain decision-making authority. A public consultation process is currently active and scheduled to continue until November 24.

However, opposition has emerged regarding specific mechanisms within the draft. Luisa Gutiérrez Ureña, president of the PAN in Mexico City, raised concerns over a proposal for the “forced sale” of properties within designated Priority Development and Construction Polygons. Under this mechanism, authorities would identify vacant or underutilized lots in areas with existing infrastructure. If owners do not begin construction or rehabilitation within two to four years, authorities could mandate a public auction of the property. Gutiérrez Ureña argued this threatens private property and the assets of families unable to build immediately, calling for greater clarity on auction criteria.