Control Development in San Miguel de Allende

Controversy over the direction and type of development and growth of the city of San Miguel that resulted in the temporary suspension of a multistory condo project continues to prompt local social activism. Several new groups concerned about citizen participation in local development issues have hosted public meetings, the most recent with a specialist in defense of national patrimony. In response to residents' demands, the Mayor has scheduled a presentation and discussion on municipal development next Tuesday, January 16, at 6pm in Teatro Santa Ana, which will include input from city authorities and guest specialists.

The civic organizations CiudaDes, short for "Ciudadanos en movimiento para el Desarrollo" (Citizens in Movement for Development), Colectivo Cultural Izquinapan, Ciudadanos en defensa de San Miguel (Citizens in Defense of San Miguel) and Los Tradicionalistas, along with six other groups, joined forces to form the Wide Civic Front (Frente Amplio Cívico Sanmiguelense). Its main objective is to create the post of social comptroller, who would review all City Hall decisions that may affect the city’s development or citizens' interests.

Another group, Basta Ya, which created a blog , hosted a conference called "Strategy to Defend the Cultural and Natural Heritage of San Miguel de Allende" on January 4. The guest speaker was ambassador and lawyer, who spoke on the importance of citizen participation to protect local natural and cultural resources. He and his law firm will present a plan for the San Miguel situation on March 15.