2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

"Building Citizenship" was an innovative model of participatory governance implemented in San Luis Potosí to strengthen the relationship between citizens and the government, through the creation of 284 Citizen Participation Boards (CPBs), democratically elected and representing 100% of the population. These CPBs became the key link for identifying needs, prioritizing actions, and overseeing the implementation of programs that impacted essential areas such as health, security, infrastructure, and sustainability.

The initiative helped address historical issues such as citizen apathy, inequality in access to services, and the disconnection between the community and authorities. Tangible results were achieved, such as the provision of over 78,000 medical services through the Health Route, the rehabilitation of 390 public spaces during the "Domingos de Pilas" events, and the execution of the Emergency Plan "Yes to Water," which solved the water crisis through well drilling, equitable water distribution in cisterns, and the active participation of the CPBs to ensure social peace.

Additionally, participatory democracy structures such as the Municipal Social Development Council were strengthened to approve strategic works and actions. The inclusion of vulnerable groups was a central pillar, with specific consultations for people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and educational programs involving girls, boys, and youth.

This approach has consolidated a replicable and sustainable system, which continues as part of the Municipal Development Plan 2024-2027, ensuring its long-term continuity. "Building Citizenship" transformed local governance, promoting constant dialogue between citizens and the government, empowering communities, and demonstrating how active participation can be the engine of a more just, equitable, and inclusive administration.

• For more information: https://sitio.sanluis.gob.mx/ConstruyendoCiudadania/ (External link)
• Convocatoria para la renovación de las mesas participativas (External link)