Cancún may sell beach land to fund social programs

Cancún, Mexico — Ana Patricia Peralta, the mayor of Benito Juárez municipality, has confirmed that her administration is evaluating the potential sale of municipal-owned properties, including land in the hotel zone such as the annex to Playa Marlín, to generate funds for "social programs and public works in underserved areas."

The proposal, still under discussion, has sparked widespread debate, with opposition even within the City Council, including council members from the ruling Morena party. The move is particularly contentious given that Cancún is the wealthiest municipality in southeastern Mexico, with a 2025 budget exceeding 7.6 billion pesos, raising questions about the necessity of selling public assets—especially those in high-demand coastal areas.

Proposal Faces Opposition from Council Members

"What we are seeking, not just with one property but with many across the city, is to generate resources that can be allocated to social justice projects," stated Peralta. She clarified that the matter was discussed in a preliminary council meeting but emphasized that no final decision has been made. Any sale would require a bank appraisal, public consultation, and a clear plan for fund allocation.

One of the properties under review is a lot adjacent to Playa Marlín, currently under concession until 2037 to a company owned by Ricardo Salinas Pliego, a prominent critic of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s administration. Peralta acknowledged this property is being assessed but stressed that it is "just one of many lots that no longer serve a municipal purpose."

Council Members Push Back

Opposition has been swift. Councilors from multiple political parties, including Morena, have voiced objections to selling municipal land, citing concerns over unclear legal conditions of existing concessions, financial transparency, and the lack of specific project details.

Jesús Pool Mo, a councilor from Movimiento Ciudadano, revealed that the proposal was introduced by the municipal secretary, Pablo Gutiérrez, during a July 15 preliminary session. "The discussion wasn’t just about whether to sell, but also about the terms of the concession. Information is still scarce—we don’t know who holds the contract or if payments are being made," he said. Pool Mo was adamant: "Under no circumstances will we support a sale. The public should decide through a consultation."

PRI councilor Jorge Rodríguez also rejected the plan, noting that aside from the Playa Marlín annex, two other properties were mentioned. He criticized the lack of clarity on how proceeds would be used, stating, "We were only told funds might go to projects in the Alfredo V. Bonfil district, but there’s no concrete plan."

Historical Context and Public Concerns

This is not the first time the sale of these properties has been proposed. In 2018, under former Mayor Remberto Estrada, two lots near Playa Marlín were considered for sale, sparking controversy over conflicting valuations—one at 346 million pesos by the municipality and another at 139 million pesos by a private firm.

Morena councilors have also expressed reservations, arguing that coastal land should remain public to preserve beach access, especially in a city where over 90% of beachfront property is already privatized.

Despite criticism, Peralta insists the review will continue, pledging transparency. "This doesn’t mean it will happen, but we are evaluating it. We are always fully transparent," she said.

Gutiérrez confirmed that the Playa Marlín concession remains active and that compliance with contractual terms is being verified. The assessment is part of a broader effort to evaluate multiple municipal properties.

The discussion remains unresolved, but the mere possibility of Cancún—Mexico’s wealthiest southeastern municipality—selling public assets has alarmed residents and local officials alike.