Mayors from 21 Countries Highlight Bolivia’s 50/50 Push for Local Resources

The 50/50 initiative promoted by Bolivia’s municipal governments took center stage as about 60 mayors from 21 countries gathered in Sucre for the 27th congress of the Latin American Federation of Cities, Municipalities and Local Government Associations, known as Flacma.

Alejo Umpiérrez, the mayor of Rocha, Uruguay, was elected Flacma president for 2026-2029 during the organization’s general assembly. Fátima Tardío, mayor of Sucre, became vice president. Umpiérrez praised Tardío’s work organizing the congress and noted her additional role as president of Historic Cities.

As he took over the federation, Umpiérrez identified the 50/50 agenda as a priority. The initiative seeks more resources for third-level governments, or local administrations, while the new leadership prepares its agenda for the 2026-2029 period. He said the effort would focus on improving municipal revenues.

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The work being done around the famous 50/50, the 50/50 agenda in Bolivia, which is the fight for more resources for third-level governments and the creation of an agenda for 2026-2029.

Umpiérrez also announced plans to recognize excellence among member municipalities. The federation will create awards for the best municipal projects and public works, establish a fund for new projects, and seek financial support to fund the strongest proposals. A selection committee will oversee the incentives.

The new leadership also intends to work on electronic government and artificial intelligence. Umpiérrez said European countries already had these systems in place and that Flacma should identify useful practices and bring them to autonomous territories.

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A fund for new projects will be created, and we will seek monetary funding for the best projects.