Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — The municipality of Playa del Carmen has approved a 4.5 billion peso budget for 2026. The historic budget was passed Saturday during the Thirty-First Ordinary Session of the City Council.
Mayor Estefanía Mercado lead the meeting of the approved Expenditure Budget for the 2026 fiscal year for a historic amount of 4,528,466,218 pesos. She said her administration reaffirms its commitment to social welfare, integral development and the financial stability of the municipality without the need for debt.
“The future of Playa del Carmen is built by taking care of its people. In Playa del Carmen, we understand that governing is not just about responding to the present, but about anticipating the future.
“That is why the 2026 budget sets the course for what is to come: a government that, after a historic investment in infrastructure, now focuses on the well-being of families,” said Estefanía Mercado.
The budget package is designed to strengthen the functioning of the municipal government and guarantee quality public services, while prioritizing social investment, security, infrastructure and programs aimed at improving the quality of life of Playa del Carmen families, especially the most vulnerable sectors.
“The future of Playa del Carmen is not measured only in streets and buildings, it is measured in health, food, opportunities and peace of mind for its people. That, for us, is what governing with vision means, that is what governing with tomorrow in mind.”
The 2026 Expenditure Budget approved by the Playa del Carmen City Council is for an amount of 4,528,466,218 pesos with an absolute increase of 183,952,124 pesos, which represents a percentage increase of 4% compared to the previous year.
“The budget is growing responsibly without indebting the municipality. It is not an inflated or artificial increase, it is a realistic and prudent adjustment. This increase allows us to reorient priorities, strengthen social programs and safeguard financial stability, demonstrating that, with order and honesty, the money is sufficient,” Estefanía Mercado stated.
This year, the largest investment in public works ever made by a municipal government was undertaken, even exceeding the total investment made by previous administrations during their entire three-year terms. This foundation allows the administration to look to the future with confidence and responsibility.
“For this reason, in 2026 public works will be consolidated with an emphasis on parks, public spaces and roads, because first we had to do what had never been done before,” explained Mercado.
During the session, the council members agreed that this budget will allow for the continuation of municipal programs, strengthen strategic areas of local government, and maintain responsible management of public resources, with a vision focused on social development, citizen security, and the orderly growth of Playa del Carmen.
“The goal is clear: that the growth of Playa del Carmen leaves no one behind. This year, the budget will primarily focus on strengthening the family economy of our people.”
As part of the agenda items, the City Council also approved the agreement to reform and add various provisions to the Regulations of the Council for Gender Equality, with the aim of strengthening municipal public policies oriented towards inclusion, equity and social justice, consolidating a government that is sensitive and committed to the rights of all.
