**Proposed Increase in Property Tax in Tijuana for Strategic Project Funding**
The Mayor of Tijuana has proposed an increase in the property tax by 50% as part of the 2025 Income Law, which is up for a vote by the City Council. Alongside this significant rise in property taxes, the proposal includes raising the initial hour fee for paid parking from 10 to 20 pesos, among other fee increases for municipal services. A key element of the proposal is the authorization for the Tijuana administration to enter into multiyear contracts aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of strategic projects and essential services. While the specific projects are not detailed, the proposal allows for collaboration with state and federal entities to aid in the financing, ensuring liquidity without categorizing this under debt.
The proposal highlights a substantial change in calculating property value, now considering 100% of construction compared to the previous 50% consideration. This change exponentially increases the amount property owners in various areas will pay per square meter, for instance, properties in certain beach areas will see significant increases in their cadastral value. Despite the increase, a fiscal stimulus plan will offer a 10% discount for the first quarter of 2025.
Overall, the municipal government anticipates collecting 1.34 billion pesos from this tax, a 15% increase from the previous year. Additionally, several municipal services such as the civil registry and parking fees are set to change their fee structure to be based on the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA), which is expected to rise yearly.
This proposal is scheduled for deliberation on November 13, 2024, in an extraordinary council session. If approved, it will be forwarded to the Baja California Congress for further review and possible modifications. This new initiative follows the recent unanimous approval of the 2025 Budget, which is slightly less than the projected income.
**Secondary Article: Recent Developments in Tijuana**
Apart from the financial propositions, Tijuana has witnessed several initiatives and developments recently. In mid-November, a critical amendment allowed the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection to take on an enhanced role in investigating crimes, putting emphasis on public safety. Additionally, the city has announced a slew of construction projects set to commence by December, aiming to boost infrastructure.
Environmental concerns are also surfacing as Cedros Island and surrounding fishing communities deal with significant delays in their supplies, prompting government intervention. Meanwhile, discussions continue surrounding Mexico’s dispute with the U.S. on genetically modified corn, with experts predicting an unfavorable outcome for Mexico.
The local administration is also seeing changes, with a new Secretary of Mobility appointed, marking the first shift in leadership under the current governance. In the realm of community events, the University of Baja California’s sports division plans to host engaging events like the “Cima Bowl” and “Cimaround,” aiming to foster community spirit and participation.
These initiatives reflect Tijuana’s ongoing efforts to evolve and address both financial and social challenges, aiming for a sustainable and prosperous future for its residents.