Baja California’s state congress voted 18 to 5 to authorize the sale of eight government-owned parcels in Mexicali, a move expected to generate more than 32 million pesos (roughly $1.6 million USD) for the state treasury.
The lots, which range from 453 to 3,636 square meters, were originally acquired for education purposes. State officials determined the parcels are no longer needed for their intended use. The properties will be sold through a public tender process.
Opposition Demands Earmarked Revenue
Five legislators voted against the measure. Lawmakers from PAN (Partido Acción Nacional), PT (Partido del Trabajo), and Movimiento Ciudadano pushed back against the plan, arguing that the sale proceeds should be earmarked for specific purposes such as health care or education. Under the original proposal, the revenue would flow into the state’s general fund with no spending restrictions.
In response to the criticism, legislators added a second transitional clause to the authorization. The clause requires the state administration to publicly disclose how it spends the revenue from the property sales. The transparency provision was included in the final text before the vote.
Property Tax Breaks for Social Housing
During the same legislative session, the congress approved property tax exemptions for developers participating in state and federal social housing programs. The exemptions waive fees for permits, licenses, and construction-related paperwork tied to the 2022 to 2027 State Housing Program.
The housing incentive is designed to reduce costs for builders working on affordable housing developments. Baja California’s capital city has seen rising real estate prices in recent years, and the state government has signaled its intent to encourage new affordable construction through regulatory relief.
What Happens Next
The eight Mexicali lots will go through a public bidding process before any sale is finalized. Interested buyers will compete in an open tender, and the state government will be required to report on how it allocates the resulting funds. No timeline for the auctions has been announced.
The vote was first reported by La Jornada Baja California.