Quintana Roo: 177K out of poverty, no new debt

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico, speaking at a press conference in Tulum

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa announced Thursday that Quintana Roo has seen a significant reduction in poverty, strengthened its finances, and is investing at historic levels, speaking alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum during a press conference in Tulum.

Lezama said that between 2022 and 2024, approximately 177,000 residents moved out of poverty, a 9.3% decline, which she attributed to the shared prosperity model promoted by federal and state governments.

For the first time in the state’s recent history, she added, no new public debt has been contracted. Quintana Roo’s credit rating improved from BBB- to AA, awarded by Standard & Poor’s, which Lezama said boosts investor confidence.

On infrastructure, the governor stated that public investment planned for 2026 will exceed the total spent during the entire previous six-year term. Projects include the Cancun Financial and Technology District, new highways, water treatment plants, sports facilities, and mobility works.

Lezama also highlighted progress on new IMSS-Bienestar hospitals in Chetumal, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, José María Morelos, and Cancun, as well as IMSS and ISSSTE projects to expand healthcare coverage.

She acknowledged federal support for key projects such as the Nichupté vehicular bridge, the modernization of Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard, the Cancun International Airport interchange, the Maya Train, the Maya Train freight service, and the Tulum International Airport.

Regarding the Vivienda para el Bienestar housing program, Lezama reported that more than 53,000 homes are currently under construction in Quintana Roo, with another 40,000 under review.

The governor noted that the state maintains an unemployment rate of 2.6%, over 527,000 formal jobs registered with the IMSS, and foreign investment exceeding $1.1 billion. She reiterated her administration’s support for President Sheinbaum.

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By Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes covers environmental policy, conservation initiatives, infrastructure projects, and political developments across the Yucatán Peninsula for Riviera Maya News & Events. She reports on issues from sargassum management and reef conservation to the Maya Train, coastal development, and state and federal policy affecting Quintana Roo and the broader peninsula.Ana has covered environmental and political news since 2023, tracking key developments in Mexico's environmental regulations, coral reef protection, coastal zone management, and the intersection of tourism development with conservation efforts. Her reporting spans from Cancun's hotel zone to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the culturally significant regions of the Yucatán interior.Ana is fluent in English and Spanish, and draws from a wide range of sources including government environmental agencies, conservation organizations, academic researchers, and local community leaders to provide balanced, well-sourced coverage. She is particularly focused on how environmental policy decisions affect the daily lives of residents and the long-term sustainability of the region.For story tips: ana@rivieramayanews.mx