Mexico City Boosts Mercomuna Social Program Budget by 59% for 2026

Mexico City's Mercomuna social program is set to receive a significant budget boost, with its allocation for 2026 projected to reach over 1.45 billion pesos. This represents a substantial increase of 59.48% compared to the 910 million pesos allocated in the previous year.

The program, managed by the Secretariat of Citizen Attention and Participation (Sapci), aims to improve the living conditions of residents with a low Human Development Index (HDI) in the capital. For 2026, Mercomuna plans to expand its reach, incorporating an additional 233,667 new beneficiaries into its program, which already serves 335,000 households registered from the previous year.

Beneficiaries will receive financial support through monthly installments. Those joining in August will receive two payments of 1,000 pesos each, while individuals integrated in September will receive one payment of 1,000 pesos. The Sapci detailed that 7% of the total budget, amounting to approximately 94.9 million pesos, will cover operational costs, including logistics, institutional materials, printing, and financial services.

The remaining funds, totaling over 1.35 billion pesos, will be directly allocated to supporting the program's beneficiaries. The Mercomuna program provides vouchers that can be exchanged at local markets and businesses, contributing to the local economy while offering essential support to low-income families.