**Infonavit to Build 35,000 Homes for Low-Income Workers in Baja California**
The National Workers’ Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit) has announced its plan to construct 35,000 homes in Baja California for employees earning between one and two minimum wages. This initiative aims to provide affordable housing for workers with lower incomes, as highlighted by the Institute’s director, Octavio Romero Oropeza.
To facilitate this project, an agreement will be signed by the federal government, under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, with state and municipal governments. This agreement will allow local administrations to donate land and waive fees and taxes, thus reducing the financial burden on the project. By removing the cost of land and associated financial expenses—since builders will receive funds from Infonavit incrementally and based on construction progress—contractors will not need to seek loans from banks, ultimately lowering the housing costs.
Romero Oropeza emphasized the intention of promoting local economic activity by encouraging projects built by local developers. He assured that the new constructions will be “dignified” residences, each at least 60 square meters with two to three bedrooms, situated either in urban or suburban areas to ensure easy access to workplaces, healthcare centers, shops, and transportation.
Furthermore, at least 40% of the land will be dedicated to recreational areas like parks and sports fields. In Mexicali specifically, access to land is limited, making the upcoming agreement signing crucial to swiftly expand available land for development.
Currently, there are 7.6 million Infonavit members nationwide earning less than two minimum wages but lacking housing options. In Baja California alone, about 500,000 eligible individuals are potential buyers of these new homes.
Romero Oropeza, who was visiting Tijuana, did not provide specific investment figures for the housing development nor did he discuss the price range for the homes in Baja California. He mentioned that the cost of labor in the state is higher than in other parts of the country due to its border location, which offers higher salaries, necessitating further analysis.
A census will also be conducted in the state to address issues in neighborhoods with abandoned or occupied homes, a problem prevalent throughout the country, but particularly frequent in this region.
**Secondary Article: Infonavit’s Broader Housing Strategy amid Rising Demand**
Infonavit’s initiative in Baja California is part of a larger national strategy to address Mexico’s housing crisis. The organization has recognized an urgent need to expand its housing portfolio, especially for the millions of low-income workers who are priced out of the current market. Nationwide, the demand for affordable housing continues to grow as urbanization and population increase.
Recent efforts have seen Infonavit experiment with various models, such as leasing and renovations, to better meet the diverse needs of different communities. This approach not only helps provide immediate solutions but also contributes to long-term urban development goals.
In cities beyond Baja California, Infonavit is also exploring partnerships with private developers and financial institutions to diversify funding sources and increase project scale. The focus remains on creating sustainable and community-oriented living environments that improve quality of life while also stimulating local economies.
This housing project is also aligned with a federal strategy to revitalize underserved areas across Mexico, aiming to boost infrastructure and services, which in turn should enhance community resilience and economic growth. With these comprehensive efforts, Infonavit hopes to directly impact millions of Mexicans struggling to achieve homeownership.