Protesters Demand Tax Incentives for Green Areas in CDMX

Protesters in Mexico City are demanding the restoration of tax incentives for green areas after the repeal of Art. 291 Bis. The program supported over 170ha of green spaces and created over 3,000 jobs. Its cancellation has led to mass layoffs, affecting families, and has raised concerns about its impact on urban maintenance and sustainability. Demonstrators argue it will burden the government and harm public spaces.

The demonstration, which included workers, activists, and residents, took place on Jan.7, 2025, and marched from the Angel of Independence to the City Square. At the heart of the protest is the repeal of Art. 291 Bis of the Tax Code, which previously provided fiscal incentives for the conservation of urban green spaces. The program, introduced in 2018, offered reductions in property taxes to individuals and businesses involved in maintaining public areas, writes El Universal. 

Workers stated that layoffs began on Jan. 2 after the Mexico City Government ended its contract with private companies, including Yaax Group, responsible for maintaining urban areas, reported Buzos de la Noticia. In response, protesters are demanding the rehiring of affected workers and the reinstatement of the tax incentives program, which they view as essential for both environmental sustainability and urban maintenance. They emphasize that over 400 families have been impacted by the layoffs, highlighting the economic and social repercussions of the policy change. With job losses and reduced private sector involvement, protesters warn that the city’s ability to manage its infrastructure and green spaces is at risk.

Protesters in Mexico City are demanding the restoration of tax incentives for green areas after the repeal of Art. 291 Bis. The program supported over 170ha of green spaces and created over 3,000 jobs. Its cancellation has led to mass layoffs, affecting families, and has raised concerns about its impact on urban maintenance and sustainability. Demonstrators argue it will burden the government and harm public spaces.

The demonstration, which included workers, activists, and residents, took place on Jan.7, 2025, and marched from the Angel of Independence to the City Square. At the heart of the protest is the repeal of Art. 291 Bis of the Tax Code, which previously provided fiscal incentives for the conservation of urban green spaces. The program, introduced in 2018, offered reductions in property taxes to individuals and businesses involved in maintaining public areas, writes El Universal. 

Workers stated that layoffs began on Jan. 2 after the Mexico City Government ended its contract with private companies, including Yaax Group, responsible for maintaining urban areas, reported Buzos de la Noticia. In response, protesters are demanding the rehiring of affected workers and the reinstatement of the tax incentives program, which they view as essential for both environmental sustainability and urban maintenance. They emphasize that over 400 families have been impacted by the layoffs, highlighting the economic and social repercussions of the policy change. With job losses and reduced private sector involvement, protesters warn that the city’s ability to manage its infrastructure and green spaces is at risk.