Background on Zapopan and Its Leadership in Public Works
Zapopan, a municipality in Jalisco, Mexico, has become the third-highest investor in public works across the country. Over the past decade, it has invested 14,000 million pesos (mdp) in infrastructure between 2015 and 2024. Under the current administration, which concludes in 2027, Zapopan aims to reach 22,000 million pesos in infrastructure investments, placing it at the forefront of national leadership. This progress is largely attributed to the business-oriented approach implemented since 2015, when Pablo Lemus Navarro, an entrepreneur and former Coparmex president, took office. Lemus Navarro was succeeded in 2021 by Juan José Frangie, another business leader and former Coparmex director.
Financial Efficiency and Recognition
Mayor Juan José Frangie Saade highlighted that the efficiency of this business-oriented government has enabled Zapopan to secure robust financial standing. According to international rating agencies like Fitch Ratings, Zapopan’s financial health surpasses major cities such as Madrid, Spain. Frangie Saade stated, “We are better rated than Madrid and comparable to Milan, Italy, in terms of finances.”
Investment in Infrastructure: A Record-Breaking Journey
Frangie Saade presented Zapopan’s strategic infrastructure program in collaboration with the Jalisco State Secretariat of Infrastructure and Public Works (SIOP). He emphasized that the investment from 2015 to date totals a record-breaking 14,000 mdp. This investment places Zapopan third among over 2,400 municipalities nationwide, with the goal of becoming the top investor.
Strategic Projects and Collaboration
In partnership with SIOP, Zapopan will enhance its road and recreational infrastructure. Key projects include improvements to Aviación and Vallarta avenues, the pavement of Juan Gil Preciado street using concrete, actions in Colomos III, upgrades to Gran Parque Zapopan Suur, and viable solutions for Tabachines and the Real Zone. The SIOP’s David Zamora Bueno confirmed that pavement work on Juan Gil Preciado avenue began this Wednesday, while the Real Zone project aims to alleviate traffic congestion through optimized vehicle flows and multimodal connectivity in a zone with over 150,000 daily vehicles.
Specific Project Details
- Aviación and Vallarta Avenues: The project includes wider sidewalks, bike lanes, improved lighting, safer crossings, asphalt resurfacing, and the addition of trees, vegetation, and vertical/horizontal signage.
- Juan Gil Preciado Pavement: The street will be paved with concrete, enhancing its durability and aesthetics.
- Colomos III Actions: Specific details about this project have not been provided.
- Gran Parque Zapopan Suur: Enhancements to this recreational area have not been detailed.
- Tabachines and Real Zone Viable Solutions: These projects aim to improve traffic flow and connectivity in heavily trafficked areas.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Zapopan’s investment in public works so far? Between 2015 and 2024, Zapopan has invested 14,000 million pesos in infrastructure.
- Why is Zapopan investing heavily in public works? The business-oriented approach of the municipal government, starting in 2015, has enabled Zapopan to secure robust financial standing and prioritize infrastructure development.
- What are some key projects Zapopan is working on? Projects include improvements to Aviación and Vallarta avenues, paving Juan Gil Preciado street, actions in Colomos III, upgrades to Gran Parque Zapopan Suur, and viable solutions for Tabachines and the Real Zone.
- How does Zapopan’s financial health compare to other cities? According to Fitch Ratings, Zapopan’s financial standing surpasses major cities like Madrid, Spain.
