Report on the First Forum of the Municipal Development Plan in Huehuetla, Hidalgo

Event Date and Location: November 12, 2024, Municipal Headquarter of Huehuetla, Hidalgo.

Introduction

On November 12, 2024, the First Citizen Consultation Forum was held in Huehuetla, Hidalgo, as part of the development of the Municipal Development Plan (PDM) 2024-2027. The event, organized by the Municipal Planning Office, was characterized by a limited turnout and a structure that presented challenges for effective citizen participation.

PSYDEH A.C., committed to promoting the rights of indigenous and rural communities, documented the event and actively participated through its team of professionals. This article analyzes the dynamics of the forum, the observed barriers to citizen inclusion, and the implications for municipal development in the Otomí-Tepehua-Nahua region.

Forum Development

• Protocolary Act
  The forum started 30 minutes late. Mayor Yaralen Cortés Mendoza delivered an opening speech that emphasized her administration’s work, although it was perceived as exclusive by some attendees due to the language used.
• Working Groups
  The activities were structured into 12 thematic tables, addressing key areas such as Economic Development, Infrastructure, and Health. However, the following limitations were identified:
  1. Lack of facilitation: Table representatives were limited to collecting requests in predefined formats without encouraging dialogue.
  2. Language barriers: No translators were available, hindering the participation of speakers of indigenous languages.
  3. Unequal participation: Tables with higher demand, such as “Economic Development,” were insufficient to accommodate all interested parties.
• Attendance and Representation
  The event had an estimated attendance of 100 participants, predominantly municipal officials and actors with particular interests. Female participation was notably low, reflecting ongoing inequalities in representation in public spaces.

General Observations

1. Limited call: The event’s promotion was exclusive to social media, excluding communities with limited internet access.
2. Non-inclusive structure: The working tables did not facilitate a true exchange of ideas, and language barriers exacerbated exclusion.
3. Absence of clear resolutions: Collected requests lacked a transparent mechanism for analysis and follow-up.
4. Lack of strategy: The next steps after this Forum were generated at the last minute, making follow-up impossible.

PSYDEH Participation

PSYDEH presented the Citizen Agenda We Decide 2024-2025 at each table it attended, highlighting key proposals for gender equity and community development. Additionally, interviews were conducted with participants to assess their perception of the forum.

Recommendations

1. Strengthen the call: Expand communication channels and ensure adequate notice time.
2. Encourage dialogue: Redesign the dynamics of the working tables to include trained facilitators.
3. Promote inclusion: Ensure the presence of translators and technical support for participants facing language or educational barriers.
4. Ensure transparency: Publish the results of the forum and establish clear mechanisms for following up on citizen requests.

Conclusion

The First Forum of the PDM in Huehuetla highlighted significant challenges for citizen inclusion in municipal decision-making. PSYDEH will continue to monitor the process, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable approach in the construction of public policies that reflect the real needs of indigenous and rural communities.