In an effort to comprehensively support local businesses, the creation of the Municipal Department of Economic Affairs has been approved, following a proposal from the Committee on Economy and Tourism. The department is expected to begin operations in the early weeks of 2025.

According to Councilmember Alan Bautista, who chairs the committee, the department previously existed in past administrations as an economic development office.

However, it has now been elevated to a full-fledged department to provide greater support and promotion for investments in industrial, commercial, and tourism sectors within the municipality.

The councilmember highlighted that the department will focus on fostering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), supporting entrepreneurs, assisting foreign residents, and strengthening binational relations with the neighboring country.

“We anticipate that it will begin operations in 2025 and that this decision will yield positive outcomes,” he stated.

Mr. Bautista noted that certain regulations were amended during the city council session to allocate a budget and operational positions for the department, most of which existed in previous iterations.

Once operational, the department’s director will be appointed by the mayor.